The 10th edition of the DofE Leaders’ Handbook is here!
The DofE Leaders’ Handbook gives you all the information you need to be a DofE Leader and run programmes with your group. In the Handbook you will discover how the DofE works, what your responsibilities are as a Leader and the support available from the DofE charity.
The new edition is available as a free digital download, so you can access it on your device wherever you are. The DofE Leaders’ Handbook is available on our website for open access and reference. However, please note that its content is specifically designed for and intended to support DofE Leaders in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. While others are welcome to read it, the guidance and materials within are tailored to the responsibilities and roles of DofE Leaders.
Please make sure that you’re using the 10th edition of the Leaders’ Handbook. All previous versions are now out of date.
Key changes
We’ve made several updates to make guidance clearer, more consistent, and easier to apply in practice. Key changes include:
- Clearer section timescales, including guidance for activities that only take place during term time.
- New condensed hours guidance for longer Silver and Gold sections, giving greater flexibility while maintaining programme requirements.
- Updated guidance that aligns with our Expedition Guide that focuses on practice expeditions as learning experiences and encourages a flexible approach to supervision.
- Residential section clarifications, including updated wording on split commitments and school trip eligibility.
- Terminology updates, replacing ‘DofE Business’ with ‘DofE Workplace’ throughout the handbook.
- Improved consistency with DofE webpages and other programme resources, including updated timescale graphics. Together, these changes help make sure Leaders have the most up-to-date guidance to support participants and deliver high-quality DofE programmes.
