The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Find out what The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is and how you can complete it with St John Ambulance.

Five people outside sat down in a field looking at a map.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award?

The DofE Award is an awards programme that encourages and inspires young people to build their confidence, learn important life skills, and make lifelong friends along the way. Open to young people aged 14-24, the DofE is typically delivered by schools, colleges, and organisations - including St John Ambulance.

Why complete your DofE Award with St John Ambulance?

There is a lot of overlap between DofE programmes and the activities you might take part in within your role at St John Ambulance. If you've already been learning first aid or volunteering at events, you've got a head start. Previous volunteering could count towards your DofE award, so be sure to mention this when you sign up.

To complete the DofE with us, you will need to already be a Cadet or volunteer. If you're completing your Award with your school or another organisation, you can still complete the volunteering or skills section with us.

Got a question?

If you have any questions or would like to know more, email our team at dofe@sja.org.uk and they'll be happy to help.

Taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has given me new friends, skills, and it has broadened my horizons.
Molly, Bronze DofE Participant

Levels and requirements

There are three levels to the programme. When you’ve successfully completed them, they lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Bronze
Age: 14 - 25th birthday
Completion time: 6 months
Activities:
Volunteering (3 months)
Physical (3 months)
Skills (3 months)
Expedition (2 days, 1 night)
Plus a further 3 months in either volunteering, physical, or skills.
Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.
Silver
Age: 15 - 25th birthday
Completion time: 12 months (or 6 months if you've already completed Bronze)
Activities:
Volunteering (6 months)
Physical and Skills (one for 6 months, the other for 3 months)
Expedition (3 days, 2 nights)
If you didn't complete Bronze, you must complete a further 6 months in either Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.
Gold
Age: 16 - 25th birthday
Completion time: 18 months (12 months if you've already completed Silver)
Activities:
Volunteering (12 months)
Physical and Skills (one for 12 months, the other for 6 months)
Expedition (4 days, 3 nights)
Residential (5 days, 4 nights)
If you didn't complete Silver, you must complete a further 6 months in either Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.

A closer look at the activities

There are lots of activities you may already do with St John Ambulance that could count towards your DofE.

Volunteering

Provide first aid event cover
Organise a fundraising event
Help out at your local Badger Sett or Cadet Group.

Physical

Are you a Cycle Responder? That counts!
You could also do an activity you enjoyed at a camp, such as archery, kayaking, or climbing
Already enjoy a sport or game outside of St John Ambulance? That works too.

Skills

Hone your existing first aid skills
Learn something new, like coding or baking
Get better at something you're good at, like playing a musical instrument.

Expedition

Team up with other Cadets and St John volunteers and explore the outdoors, all while working on your communication and leadership skills.

Residential (Gold only)

Enjoy five nights away from home with other likeminded young people. Make new friends on summer camp with another St John region, or learn to snowboard in Scotland - the opportunities are endless!