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Applications to become a 2026-27 UK Youth Ambassador open on 20 April.

DofE UK Youth Ambassadors are advocates for the DofE. Through the programme, Youth Ambassadors network with participants, staff, donors, DofE Leaders and other youth organisations. They share their DofE stories and lived experiences to educate, engage, and inspire others. They’re collaborators, looking to work with other like-minded people from across the UK. Both positive and solution-focused, Youth Ambassadors tackle issues which are affecting society and are representative and inclusive of all young people doing their DofE.

We introduced the Youth Ambassador programme in 2021 in line with our Youth Without Limits strategy, with a vision of putting young people at the heart of what we do. Each year, 30 passionate young people, aged 16-24 from across the UK, are empowered to support teams across the DofE charity, the International Award and other partners in the youth sector – making a positive, lasting change, both within the DofE and in the wider world.

Abiya wearing glasses and headphones speaking into a microphone in a recording studio, with a colorful 'NAVIGATING NOW' sign in the background.
Meet our 2025-26 UK Youth Ambassadors

Get to know our 2025-26 UK Youth Ambassadors.

Two young people stand in front of a purple “Youth Without Limits” backdrop, wearing Duke of Edinburgh’s Award polo shirts and holding a sign that reads “Youth Without Limits”.
The Latest

Read more about the work our UK Youth Ambassadors have supported.

How Youth Ambassadors support DofE

Events

Youth Ambassadors represent the DofE charity at a range of exciting and high-profile events regionally, UK wide and occasionally, internationally. They support teams from across the charity with roles varying from event to event. This could involve hosting a panel discussion, giving a speech on stage, or networking with guests and supporters. Youth Ambassadors can also participate in fundraising challenge events, raising vital funds for the charity.

There is no expectation for every Youth Ambassador to speak in front of a large audience (although there are opportunities to do this). Ambassadors are empowered to sign up for the opportunities which interest them and are supported with pre-event briefing calls and a designated point of contact.

Take a look at some of the events Youth Ambassadors have previously attended:

Three young people holding signs that say D of E and Listen to youth, one of them is taking a selfie.
Why enrichment was the focus of this year’s party conferences
Youth Ambassador Finlay runs Manchester Half Marathon, raising vital funds for the DofE
Onyii speaks to over 2,000 Gold Award holders at Monday afternoon’s Gold Award Celebration
Focus groups

Youth Ambassadors join essential conversations which are happening at the heart of the DofE. Through these valued discussions they share their ideas and feedback, to influence key decisions across the charity.

During the 2025-2026 programme, the Youth Ambassadors have shaped the creation of a programme quality framework, ensuring high quality delivery of the Award in Licenced Organisations across the UK. They have also explored the future of youth engagement at the DofE, ensuring more young people are given a voice and represented through the Award.

Youth Ambassadors have also been involved with our NHS partnership, which will provide participants with more valuable volunteering opportunities.

Focus group work shaped by input from our Youth Ambassadors:

Advocacy

Youth Ambassadors play a key role in our advocacy efforts, giving a valuable young person’s perspective on the issues which matter to them, expressing views to policymakers and working collaboratively with our External Affairs team.

This could involve contributing to discussions around topics such as the governments proposed social media age restrictions, shaping conversations at Political Party Conferences or even collaborating and delivering a letter to Downing Street to share the outcomes of our 

How DofE Youth Ambassadors shaped the conversation at Political Party Conferences
A group of D of E Youth Ambassadors at the National Youth Strategy launch
DofE Youth Ambassadors on why the National Youth Strategy is a step in the right direction
A rear view of two people standing close together in a workshop or industrial room. One person is wearing a grey T‑shirt with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award logo printed in blue on the back. The setting includes pipes, sinks, and a green-painted doorway.
Amey launches youth rehabilitation programme with DofE
Content creation

Youth Ambassadors regularly feature on the DofE’s social media channels and website. From writing blogs to co-creating videos, content creation is a key part of the role, helping to raise DofE’s profile and championing youth voice. As part of the role Youth Ambassadors stories can be featured in local newspapers and on the radio, raising awareness of the DofE charity and the positive impact of doing your DofE.

Youth Ambassadors have created videos for which showed the flexibility of the Skills section. We’ve also spotlighted several Youth Ambassadors’ DofE journeys in our 

Hear from our previous Youth Ambassadors

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Three UK Youth Ambassadors stand with their backs to the camera, facing the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London. They are wearing matching bright yellow hoodies with the slogan
The highlight of the year for me was co-hosting the Youth Without Limits Live: Beyond the CV event in front more than 200 young people; moments like that are helping me to become a more outgoing person, and I owe a lot of that to the DofE!
Ved
Bronze and Silver Award holder
The Youth Ambassadors have made me feel part of a team, and to feel encouragement and supportiveness that I have not felt before. Having adults ask your opinions and feeling listened to has given me more confidence to speak out. Most of all, I enjoy putting on my polo shirt and feel proud! Proud for not only finishing my own DofE Awards, but for encouraging others to join in too.
Poppy
Bronze and Gold Award holder
This role has sincerely been the best opportunity that I've taken. I've done so much networking and made so many new friends that I know will set me up for life. It has been an unforgettable experience.
Louis
Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder
One of my highlights was going to the Netherlands for an International Award conference. We got to meet people from all over Europe and share our different experiences of DofE! I got to lead a workshop on the UK Youth Ambassador programme, which was a great chance to practice public speaking and deliver a presentation.
Isabel
Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder
I attended the first ever UK Youth Ambassadors and International Award Emerging Leaders engagement event in London. We took part in a Race Across the City team-building challenge and heard from an organisation called Kids Against Plastic. The workshop made me think more about what I can do in my community. I learnt that DofE is much bigger than just the UK and plays an important role across the world.
Emmanuel
Bronze Award holder
Being a UK Youth Ambassador has given me a different perspective on how DofE works behind the scenes and the work that goes into supporting young people. I have got to know inspiring people, hear inspiring stories, found new interests, and learned new skills that I can use within teaching, my career, and my personal life.
Karolina
Bronze and Silver Award holder
The programme has been so much better than I ever expected. I was reluctant to sign up, thinking I'd be too shy, and no-one would listen to what I had to say; but it has been so rewarding to be part of a like-minded community of young people who come from such diverse backgrounds. One highlight was speaking alongside the Children's Commissioner at the Lib Dem party conference. I really felt my voice was being listened to and that I could make an impact on young people's futures.
Hannah
Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder

The DofE UK Youth Ambassador programme is generously supported by The Gosling Foundation

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