HomeRun DofEDelivering DofERunning DofE Residentials

Four people in a canoe paddling across a calm lake, surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky. In the background, a large house is visible on the shore, with mountains rising in the distance.

Running DofE Residentials

A well-structured residential experience is a unique and fundamental element of Gold-level DofE programmes and provides a transformational experience for those involved.

The information on this page is for Approved Activity Providers and organisations wishing to offer residential opportunities for Gold DofE participants. Read our guidance on the best ways to ensure that an opportunity aligns with the Residential section. If you’re a young person, parent or carer or DofE Leader, go to Doing your Residential section for all the information you need.

You can read our blog to understand the key changes and the research behind them.

Two young people are suspended in harnesses from a climbing structure, smiling and enjoying the experience. They are wearing helmets and outdoor clothing, with trees in the background. One person is raising a fist in excitement, while the other appears to be laughing.

Understanding the Residential Requirements

The updates we’re making are focused on increasing access, so that more young people can benefit from experiencing a residential as part of their Gold DofE.

Understanding the Residential Requirements

A group of five people are kayaking on a calm body of water. One person in a purple kayak is paddling energetically in the foreground, wearing a yellow helmet and a blue life jacket. In the background, two individuals are in a green kayak, while two others are in a yellow kayak, all wearing similar safety gear. The surrounding area features lush green grass and reeds along the water's edge.

Aims, Principles and Outcomes

Read more about the Aims, Principles and Outcomes to meet when running a DofE residential.

Aims, Principles and Outcomes

A person wearing a helmet and climbing gear ascends a wooden pole using metal rungs. The background features tall trees with green foliage, indicating an outdoor setting. The individual is focused on their climb, showcasing an adventurous activity.

Inclusive Residentials

Our Residential Requirements allow DofE Leaders and parents/carers to decide what is appropriate for their young people by discussing the required outcomes of the section with them.

Inclusive residentials

A woman and a child walk hand in hand along a gravel path, both wearing backpacks. The woman has a floral-patterned backpack and is dressed in a black jacket and beanie. The child, wearing a purple backpack, is slightly shorter and looks up at the woman. In the background, a group of people can be seen walking in the same direction, with trees and a building visible nearby.

Safety and Safeguarding

The DofE programme is designed so that each participant engages in activities which offer personal challenge within a setting that understands risk management and promotes safeguarding and safe practice.

Safety and safeguarding

Two young women are sitting on a wooden ledge, smiling and engaging in conversation. They are indoors, with a backdrop of wooden walls and beams. The lighting is warm, creating a friendly atmosphere. One woman has long brown hair and is wearing a dark sweater, while the other has braided hair and is dressed in a dark top.

Residential information

Whether you are an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) or an organisation wishing to offer DofE participants residential opportunities, adhering to the guidelines in this section is important when looking to create a safe and positive environment for all.

Residential information

A group of four people walking along a pathway lined with tall, green hedges. They appear to be enjoying a casual outing, with two women in the foreground wearing casual clothing and boots, while a man and another woman follow behind. The setting is bright and sunny, with a building visible in the background.

Residential FAQs

Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the new Residential Requirements.

Residential FAQs

Take me to..

Running DofE Residentials

Read more about Residentials

Opportunity Finder