Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What is the DofE?
The DofE is a life-changing adventure you don’t want to miss.
It’s about going the extra mile – learning new skills for work and life, getting fitter, helping others, and exploring the countryside.
Millions of young people in the UK have already done their DofE.
If you’re 14 to 23, you can take part in three levels of programmes levels of programmes leading to a bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award.
Choose from hundreds of activities – from canoeing to gymnastics, Djing to dog walking for an elderly neighbour – so there’ll never be a dull moment. Plus, you’ll pick up memories, friendships and skills that will stay with you forever.
And the added bonus? Having a DofE Award can really give you the edge when you’re applying for jobs, college or university.
Fun, sociable, challenging plus great experiences you can put on your CV. The DofE. It’s what you make it.
Choose The Level That’s Right For You
Depending on your age, you can start your DofE at any level – but most prefer to try for Bronze and then work their way up.
The higher the level, the more time and effort you’ll need to put in. Each activity takes at least one hour a week over this time so you can fit them in around your studies and social like.
You have until your 25th birthday to complete your programme and achieve your Award.
You keep track of your progress online, using eDofE. It’s easy to record your goals, show your progress, upload pictures and more.
Do Your DofE (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)
It’s Up to You
Whatever level you’re doing, you’ll create your own programme of activities with the help of your DofE Leader. Choose one activity for each section. Maybe you want to try something new? Or get better at something you already do? Your DofE can be whatever you want it to be.
It’s a good idea to choose activities you’ll enjoy – it’ll make them easier to stick at and you’ll get more out of the experience.
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Volunteering This is all about getting out there and making a difference by helping others, the environment or your local community. Perhaps you’re interested in animals, helping older people or raising money for a local charity. |
Skills Discover something that you’re really good at. Maybe you can get better at something you already do, like playing a musical instrument, or learn something new like designing a website or cooking. The sky’s the limit when it comes to skills. |
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Physical This is a chance to focus on your health and fitness and have fun along the way. Improve your fitness, start climbing or have dance classes, it can be with a team or on your own. Set your own challenge and be the best you can be. |
Expedition As part of a small team, you’ll have an unforgettable experience getting to grips with the great outdoors. You’ll improve your communication and leadership skills and take a rucksack of memories home with you. |
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Residential (Gold Level Only) Spend time away from home a shared activity with people you’ve never met before. From learning to snowboard in Scotland to helping at a children’s camp, there are lots of exciting possibilities for you to get involved with. |
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Five Steps to Your Award
Are you ready to volunteer, get fit, learn and go on expedition?
The DofE is one amazing adventure you’ll never forget. So, what are you waiting for?
- Find a DofE Group
- Talk to a DofE Leader
- Find your local licensed Organisation: DofE.org/takepart
- Email us: info@DofE.org
- Pick your Level
- Decide what level is right for you. Pay a small fee and register to do your DofE with a DofE Group. You’ll then receive your Welcome Pack from your DofE Leader and be emailed a link to your eDofE account.
- Choose your activities
- Start choosing the activities you want to do. Don’t forget to chat with your DofE Leader to make sure the activities will count for the right sections. There are endless opportunities to choose from – see DofE.org/doing-your-DofE for some inspiration.
- Do the Activities
- Get started. You’ll record what you’re going to do, and upload pictures, certificates etc. of what you do for each section into eDofE. Your assessors will sign off each section as you complete them.
- Achieve your Award
- When you’ve finished all of your sections, submit your Award in eDofE to your DofE Leader. They’ll arrange for your achievement to be confirmed – congratulations, you’ve achieved your award and will receive a certificate and a badge! Then, you can continue onto the next level (if appropriate).
Where is DofE Run?
DofE programmes are delivered through various centres throughout the Western Isles.
DofE Award Groups
- Nicolson Institute Open Group
- Sir E Scott School Open Group
- Sgoil Lionaclete Open Group
- Castlebay School Open Group
- Stornoway Open Group
Getting More Detailed Information
Complete an enquiry form
Talk to your DofE Leader or Co-ordinator
Contact your Operating Authority
Visit our website: www.DofE.org (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)
e-mail: widofe2@cne-siar.gov.uk
Call us on: 01851 822714
Western Isles Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Enrolment Form
Once you have completed the DofE Enrolment Form you will receive an email with a link to Online Payments (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) to make payment. Select 'Miscellaneous Payments', 'Community Learning & Development' then 'Duke of Edinburgh's Award' to complete payment for the award.
Contact Details
DofE Manager
Fiona MacInnes-Begg
Community Learning and Development Manager
Community Engagement Unit
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 600501
Mob: 07917243238
e-mail: fionamacinnes-begg@cne-siar.gov.uk
DofE Operations Manager
Alice Murray
Community Learning and Development Worker
Community Engagement Unit
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 822714
Mob: 07990742762
e-mail: alice-murray@cne-siar.gov.uk