Keeping young people safe

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.

Download the Safeguarding Policy.

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

Download the Digital Safeguarding Policy.

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.

Download the Safeguarding Procedures.

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.

Download Reporting a Safeguarding Concern.

Please send the form to [email protected].

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.

Read the Safeguarding Statement.

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

Incidents and Emergencies.

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.

Download Low Level Concerns Policy.

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.

Download the Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy.

A parent and carer’s guide on the safeguarding arrangements you should expect from activity clubs, tutors and coaches.

Download guidance for parents/carers on keeping children safe during clubs, tuition and activities.

Reports received in 2025 highlighted the following:

• Most safeguarding concerns arose during expeditions and residentials, with some occurring during the volunteering section.
• A small number of inappropriate eDofE messages were identified relating to sharing of person contact details, profanity and mild sexual content.
• Some participants experienced harassment, bullying, misogyny, or verbal abuse while undertaking their programme. Some concerns had a sexual element to them, either between peer groups or from adults to participants.
• Some cases of adult concerns were not reported to the DofE by the Licensed Organisation or statutory authorities but were detected through media coverage.

In each instance, the DofE took action upon becoming aware of the issue. Follow up contact was made with the relevant organisations and information was shared with statutory partners as appropriate.

• Promote age-appropriate safeguarding conversations with participants and their families, about expected behaviour during DofE activities, including online communication. Young people should understand what is and is not acceptable, and how to raise any concerns, whether about adults or peers, in ways that feel safe and accessible to them. Strengthening this awareness helps reduce barriers to speaking up.
• Have open conversations with participants about the importance of respecting privacy and personal boundaries, and what this looks like in practice on expeditions and residentials. Emphasising respectful behaviour and mindful language helps young people feel safe.
• Consider including real-life scenarios in your training with leaders, to build awareness and confidence and to prompt discussion.
• Have regular check-ins with participants during their Programme activities to check on their wellbeing and spot any concerns early.
• Address any concerns that do arise, even low-level behavioural concerns. Early intervention prevents matters from escalating.
• Please email the Safeguarding Team on [email protected] if you want to discuss any concerns you become aware of. The team is available to help and support you.

• We encourage timely, consistent reporting of safeguarding issues that arise during DofE Programme activity. Reporting helps us spot trends early, strengthens our safeguarding approach and improves the experience for participants.
• While Licensed Organisations and Approved Activity Providers have safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures to follow, you should also report safeguarding concerns to the DofE. This is outlined in the DofE Safeguarding Policy 2025 and the DofE Leaders’ Handbook. This includes adults in DofE roles where there are safeguarding concerns outside of DofE delivery.
• By sharing safeguarding and low-level concerns, the Safeguarding Team can identify trends and patterns of behaviours. In turn, we can share with the Network, insights and learning to support safer practice.
• Parents and carers should be familiar with the safeguarding arrangements of the Licensed Organisation or Approved Activity Provider that delivers the DofE Programme, and know how to report any concerns.
• We take data protection seriously. We store and handle all information confidentially in line with data protection standards.