Volunteering

You can volunteer online. It’s different to volunteering in person, but there are many ways you can give your time and make it meaningful. You can for example raise awareness for your chosen cause or become involved in project work.

One-off sponsored run

You cannot do a one-off sponsored run and the training for it for your Volunteering section. The training for a sponsored run would be better suited to the Physical section.

Fundraising for the DofE

Because of the Volunteering section’s community focus, you cannot fundraise for your own DofE group or equipment. This is because you’ll personally benefit from your efforts.

You can fundraise for a DofE centre if it’s a community charity or organisation. For example, a DofE centre working with young people with special needs, a youth centre or a Scout group. It should also be for a specific cause, like new facilities, a new roof, extension or renovation.

You can fundraise for your DofE group or to go on your expedition, but it cannot count towards your Volunteering section.

In most cases, you cannot volunteer for a business. This is because they’re established for profit and not for civic benefit. But, some businesses work to benefit their local community and offer valuable volunteering opportunities. These businesses need to show that they offer volunteering opportunities in line with the aims of the section. In these cases, volunteering for a business will count for the section.

Apart from expenses, you cannot get paid for your volunteering. You can only take on a supporting role, and not be part of any required staffing ratios.

If you are under 14, you cannot volunteer for a profit-making organisation. You can read more about volunteer rights and rules on GOV.uk.