We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about DofE Direct.
What is DofE Direct?
DofE Direct is a way for 18-24 year olds to achieve their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award online and independently. You’ll be able to progress through your DofE activities in your own time with dedicated support from a DofE Leader via email and telephone. If you haven’t got a local DofE group nearby or the centre you’re currently at doesn’t offer Gold level, you can do your Gold DofE through DofE Direct.
DofE Direct is run through eDofE, the DofE’s online record system. By using eDofE you can access your account at any time, and add a range of evidence to demonstrate the completion of your sections.
Q: Why has the DofE developed DofE Direct?
A: The DofE has developed DofE Direct to enable more young people 18-24 to access and complete their Gold DofE programme.
Q: Where is DofE Direct?
A: DofE Direct is UK-wide and not based in one specific area. It is a digital offer that allows you to have your independence and to complete your programme at your own pace.
Q: Who can do their DofE through DofE Direct?
A: DofE Direct is currently for young people aged 18-24 years who wish to complete their Gold Award. Other levels
Q: What happens when I complete my programme?
A: Once you’ve completed your programme, and it has been approved, you’ll receive a letter, certificate and a badge/brooch to celebrate your achievement. You’ll also be invited to a Gold Award Celebration (GAC) – this could be at St. James’ Palace (London), Buckingham Palace (London), Holyrood Palace (Scotland) or Hillsborough Castle (Northern Ireland).
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: If you have any questions regarding DofE Direct, please email [email protected].
Q: How do I transfer to DofE Direct if my centre has closed and I cannot find another?
A: Once you have expressed your interest in completing your DofE programme with DofE Direct, your allocated Leader will require the eDofE ID number that you received when you first signed up to do your Award with your former centre. Your new Leader will transfer your account over to the DofE Direct group on eDofE where you will be able to continue with your Award programme, and your new Leader will be responsible for signing off your sections. As you’ve already paid for your place and received your Welcome Pack you will not have to pay the full amount to join DofE Direct.
Q: What are the benefits of doing the DofE?
A: For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our participants say, it’s life-changing. Find out more here.
Q: How much is it to join DofE Direct?
A: It costs £75 to join DofE Direct. This does not include any additional costs that there may be to do your Expedition and Residential sections.
Q: What will I get for £75?
A: The £75 will cover the costs of your Welcome Pack, eDofE account set up and additional administration costs. Alongside this you will receive regular support from one of our dedicated DofE Direct Leader to help you access your account and plan your programme. There are also opportunities to talk to other DofE Direct participants during online drop in sessions and in the DofE Direct Facebook group.
Q: How do I pay for my participation place?
A: You can pay via our payment page. If you experience card payment issues then please email us at [email protected]. Once payment is confirmed, we’ll email your login details to you within two working days.
Q: I am halfway through my programme and would like to transfer to DofE Direct. Do I still need to pay £75?
A: If you have already signed up to Gold elsewhere, the cost to transfer to DofE Direct is greatly reduced. You’ll need to contact the DofE Direct team at D[email protected] for a referral code and the current transfer fee.
Q: How do I get advice with a section?
A: When you sign up to DofE Direct you can choose any of our DofE Direct Virtual Leaders. This is the person you will contact for advice, and they will do their best to steer you in the right direction.
Q: Will a national residential be provided for DofE Direct participants?
A: No. You’ll be responsible for identifying an organisation with whom you can complete your Residential section, which may involve a cost – loads of exciting DofE Residential opportunities can be found on our Opportunity Finder.
Q: I’m not sure what kit to take for the expedition. Who can I talk to?
A: The full DofE kit list can be found here. However we do recommend that you ask your Approved Activity Provider (or whoever is organising your expedition) in case there is any additional kit you may need that is specific to the type of expedition you are doing.
Q: Do I have to do my sections simultaneously?
A: No. You can do all or some of your sections simultaneously if you wish, however you must do a minimum of an hour a week per section and ensure that you upload some form of evidence alongside your sections.
Q: Is there a time limit to complete my programme?
A: You have until your 25th birthday to complete your programme. The minimum amount of time it takes to complete a Gold programme is 18 months, or 12 months if you’ve already completed Silver.
Q: Who will be my DofE Leader? How will I get the support I need if I have questions?
A: Your DofE Leader will be a member of DofE staff. They will be available for you to contact via email and telephone, and you will also have the option to contact DofE Technical Support for any eDofE technical queries too.
Q: I’ve lost my username and password – who do I talk to?
A: You should speak to your DofE Direct Leader in the first instance as they can provide you with your username. You can then follow the ‘forgot your password’ process from the eDofE home screen.
Q: What happens if I can’t continue with my programme with the DofE Direct?
A: If you are concerned about continuing your DofE programme it is best to contact your DofE Direct Leader and inform them. Don’t forget you have until your 25th birthday to complete your programme.
Q: How will I stay motivated?
A: A certain amount of motivation will be down to your will power. However, your DofE Direct Leader will be there to support you – all you have to do is contact them and they’ll get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
Q: How demanding is it to achieve your Award at Gold level?
A: Completing a Gold DofE programme requires long term dedication and determination; this is one of the reasons for DofE Direct being an independent route that is only available to those aged 18+.
