Each year, hundreds of thousands of young people take part in a DofE programme. Keeping them safe is our first priority and everyone’s responsibility.
The essence of DofE is personal challenge. We help young people build confidence and resilience by testing themselves, often in unfamiliar environments. That means they’ll encounter risks – it’s part of their personal development. But always in a way that’s carefully managed.
Here, you can find out more about DofE’s approach to keeping young people safe from harm. And how you can report any concerns.
If you need to contact us urgently, please call your local DofE Country Office or the DofE’s Head Office.

This policy sets out the safeguarding expectations for all staff, volunteers, participants, partners and those working in and for LO’s and AAP’s when they are delivering DofE activities and programmes.

As part of our Safeguarding Framework this outlines the charity’s policy, procedures and expected behaviours regarding interactions in the digital environment.

This document sets out the steps to be taken by DofE staff in response to any concern that a child or adult at risk may be experiencing or is at risk of harm or abuse.

Our policy and code of conduct ensure the safeguarding of young people is at the heart of how we work at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), and at the heart of how we work with others to deliver the DofE.

All organisations we licence are obliged to report any safeguarding concern that involves any participant, or an adult involved in delivery of our programme. This can also be used for care givers, participants or other adults to report concerns. Please send to [email protected].

The DofE charity collects information about incidents relating to the delivery of DofE programmes around the UK.

This document sets out the steps to be taken by DofE staff in response to any concern that a child or adult at risk may be experiencing or is at risk of harm or abuse.

This policy is part of the DofE’s Safeguarding framework and it applies to all DofE staff and its volunteers. This includes agency staff, contractors, those on placement or secondment.