Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and DofE Welcome Pack
When does the next DofE programme begin?
Participants can register for the award at any point throughout the year, with our next youth-centre-based sessions and virtual sessions starting in Autumn 2023. For our upcoming programme dates, visit: Open Award Centre Information.
I have registered, now what?
You can follow the participant checklist to make sure that you are working through your DofE Award Journey. Find the checklist here: Participant's DofE Checklist.
How do I register on the programme?
To register your place, please visit: Duke of Edinburgh's Award Registration.
When will my DofE welcome pack and DofE discount card arrive?
The DofE welcome pack will arrive 3-4 weeks after the participant has entered their name and address within their profile on eDofE. Once this information is added, it notifies DofE to initiate dispatch of the pack.
Do I need to wait for the welcome pack before I can get started?
No, you do not need to wait. Upon registration, you will be emailed your username and password for eDofE. You can log in immediately. The booking confirmation email you receive following registration also contains some helpful YouTube videos explaining the next steps.
I’ve registered, but now I want to change award level. I.e switch from Bronze to Silver. Is this possible?
Yes, it is possible to switch award levels within 5 working days after the initial account creation. After 5 working days, it is possible; however, an additional £35 fee would be payable to cover the cost of the additional eDofE account that has to be created. ECC is charged for this additional place by DofE.
I have a query, who should I email?
Our DofE team manages DofE@essex.gov.uk. Please drop us a line to this address.
Award Sections
I am struggling to find an activity for one of my sections. Are you able to help?
Drop us an email at DofE@essex.gov.uk. We may be able to point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can use the DofE webpage for Ideas for Activities.
How do I get an assessor to sign off a section?
The easiest way for your assessor to complete their report is to go online at www.dofe.org/assessor, or they can complete the booklet within your welcome pack.
I need help finding volunteering opportunities
The Volunteering Framework may help with ideas for your volunteering: Volunteering Framework.
This link may also help you with some ideas that are approved by DofE: Volunteering with AAPs.
Expeditions
When do I register and pay for my expedition place?
Expedition dates will be advertised on the website by November every year, and bookable in January.
Can I pick and mix a practice and a qualifying expedition from different packages?
No, unfortunately, we do not allow this. We want to keep continuity as much as possible within the team. It also becomes harder for us to manage expedition walking groups with people swapping in and out.
What is the mobile phone policy?
Our mobile phone policy is one of the 20 conditions that DofE teams get assessed against whilst on their qualifying expedition. The policy states that mobile phone usage is for emergency use only. For example, when groups need to make contact with their supervisor due to injury or other situations requiring supervisor intervention. Two members of the walking group should carry a phone each (ideally on different networks), switched off and sealed within their rucksacks. Failure to adhere to the mobile phone policy may result in deferral of the expedition section.
What conditions are expedition groups assessed against?
In the lead-up to and throughout the qualifying expedition, participants are assessed against DofE's 20 conditions. Read the 20 conditions of the Expedition section.
Do you have an expedition kit list?
We have created our own expedition kit list so you can get prepared from the get-go and a visual reminder of how to pack a rucksack. Download the kit list.
You can also refer to DofE's own suggestions on kit choices.
I want my child to be in the same walking group as their friends. Is this possible?
We strive to accommodate requests and to keep friendship groups together. However, at times this isn’t always possible. Expedition groups must be between 4-7 young people. Therefore, this condition governs how groups are formed. There might be instances whilst on expedition where groups need to be merged or changed due to exceptional circumstances.