I’ve started so I’ll finish

Not sure what you need to do to complete your DofE? Or started your DofE programme but are stuck on what to do next? Here’s some tips to help you complete.

I can’t remember my eDofE login details/password.

You can speak to your DofE Leader or DofE Manager in the first instance who can provide you with your username.

For forgotten passwords, click the ‘Forgot your password’ button and you will be asked a security question. The password will then be emailed to you – make sure you always have an up-to-date email attached to your eDofE account and also check your ‘junk’ box if you have high spam filters set!

I don’t have access to the internet to upload evidence to eDofE.

There are many locations in your local area which will have access to the internet which you can usually access cheaply or for free. These include internet cafes, libraries, friends’ houses, schools, colleges, universities and youth clubs. Ask your DofE Leader if you cannot easily locate access to a computer.

I am unable to log onto eDofE as it says that my account is inactive.

If your account has been archived, you can speak with your DofE Leader who will be able to change the status of your eDofE account from their account. Logging into an ‘Inactive’ account will trigger it to become ‘Active’ again so you do not need to contact anyone in this case.

I completed everything ages ago but didn’t send off my book and now I’m over 25.

As long as you have completed all of your sections before your 25th birthday then you are still able to submit your Gold Award for approval. Your first step is to try to make contact with your Assessors for the sections which were not signed off at the time, and asking them to backdate their signature to when you completed the section. If you are not able to make contact with your Assessor, you can ask someone else independent who is aware of what you did to sign it off for you. You may need to provide proof of what you undertook.

I can’t find my old record book/Keeping Track book. Can I still complete my programme?

Yes! You need to get your Leader or someone independent who is aware of what you did for your sections to write Assessor reports for each section of your programme then these can replace your old Keeping Track booklet/record book. These need to be on headed paper from any organisation for which you may have been undertaking your activity, or reports can be uploaded online here: www.DofE.org/assessors

My previous Leader/Assessor has left; who can sign off my sections?

Your sections do not need to have Assessor reports written by your DofE Leader – any adult who is aware of what you did for your sections can write a report. Remember this person needs to be independent from you so not a family member.

I have left the group who I started my DofE with but would like to carry on with another group.

Even if you started your DofE a while ago with another group, you can change groups. For advice on how to go about this click here.

Where can I do my expedition?

We have a list of Approved Activity Providers who provide a range of expeditions across the UK and oversea.: Alternatively, you can speak to the Development Officer who looks after DofE in your local authority. They will be aware of DofE expeditions happening at all levels within their county and will be able to advise you who to contact. They may also be able to lend you some equipment if they store it within their areas.

Where can I do my residential?

To achieve your Gold Award, you need to complete an extra section – the Residential. This involves spending 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you’ve never met before in group accommodation. We have a number of Approved Activity Providers whose details are listed on our Opportunity Finder and can give you information and ideas on the residential courses which they run: For local opportunities, you may wish to speak to the Manager who looks after DofE in your local authority. They will be able to advise you of any residential opportunities which they are aware of in the county.

Because of the additional conditions of this section you should always discuss your ideas with your Leader or DofE Manager before undertaking an activity. Home or individual stays, work experience and school trips do not count.

I can’t decide what to do for my sections.

You can count something which you are already doing for any of your sections or you can start something completely new. You can find a list of activity ideas for each of the sections here . This list is not exhaustive, so if you would like to do an activity which is not on the list, have a chat with your DofE Leader or DofE Manager before starting it to see whether it would be acceptable.

I started a section but don’t enjoy the activity which I am undertaking.

Even though we don’t encourage this, if absolutely necessary, you may make one change of activity in each section at each level. You must restart the preparation, training, activity and assessment process and the time spent on both activities will add up to meet the overall time requirements for that section.

I can’t carry on with my DofE because I have exams and other pressures.

Don’t forget you have until your 25th birthday to complete your DofE, regardless of when you started it. You can undertake your sections during the school holidays or at a time in the year when you are not as busy with other activities. Remember that you don’t have to undertake the Skill, Physical and Volunteering sections at the same time and each section’s activity only needs to be a minimum of an hour per week. If you are struggling with your DofE programme then it may be worth chatting with your Leader to talk through the options available to you.

I’ve had a change in financial circumstances and don’t think I can afford to do my DofE anymore.

The costs associated with doing your DofE are available here. You may wish to chat to your Leader or DofE Manager who may be able to provide you with ideas for activities for your sections which are low cost or even free. Many groups have access to a kit store where you can borrow equipment for your expedition. We also have Regional funding for which you may be eligible. Any questions not covered here? Contact us on [email protected] for help.