Magazine Issue 30: SUMMER 2018 THE MAGAZINE FOR DofE …€¦ · DofE Magazine Issue 30: SUMMER 2018 5 Features 6 Something to shout about Eight great ideas to help you promote your

DofE Magazine Issue 30: SUMMER 2018 1

PLUS...WELCOME PARTNER!This month, we changed our Recommended Retailerof Expedition Kit to not just another retailer – but to five retailers!

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Shout about it!We provide eight great ideas for promoting your DofE activities.

MagazineTHE MAGAZINE FOR DofE LEADERS Issue 30: SUMMER 2018

Bronze adventuresYour opportunity to take part in a trial of new Bronze Expedition section options.

Donna Jakkit

DofE MagazineIssue 24: SUMMER 20162


Summer time, and the memories of snowy hillsides are distant... With the expedition season in full swing, we offer you the opportunity to take part in the Bronze expedition options trial (page 13).

Not just young people benefit from the DofE. We give an overview on how volunteering as a Leader can help you progress your career (page 31) and we introduce our plans for formalised DofE Manager training.

We’re halfway through the year, and the DofE Challenge is going well (page 20), especially the 2018 Tennis Challenge, currently being undertaken by HRH The Earl of Wessex (page 22).

Next month sees the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which affects everyone in some way. We provide an update on how this affects the DofE and what the Charity is doing in this area (page 34). We also provide eight great ideas to help you shout about your DofE group’s achievements (page 6)

Finally, we introduce our new Recommended Retailers of Expedition Kit (page 8) which will expand greatly the range of shops you can claim your DofE discount at.

WelcomeOUR MISSION To inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development and recognise their achievements.

PUBLISHED BY The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU. T: 01753 727400 E: [email protected]

EDITOR/DESIGNER Dave Wood

EDITORIAL OFFICE Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES Mark Brown, Fellows Media Ltd, The Gallery, Manor Farm, Southam, Nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PB T: 01242 259249 E: [email protected]

SUBMITTING ARTICLES The Editor welcomes contributions on subjects related to the DofE, especially good quality colour photographs, articles, letters, news stories etc. for possible publication. Please note that we cannot guarantee publication of any submitted items. For any image submitted to the DofE magazine it is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that all the relevant and necessary permissions for the use of the images they submit are obtained from people featured in a photograph. Therefore any person featured in a picture must give their permission, and written consent must be obtained from the parents/carers/guardians of any child under the age of 16. The DofE would also reserve the right to publicly display and publish any image submitted to this magazine in promotional, PR and operational materials, printed, digital and online. Our photography and privacy policies are available on DofE.org/privacy. Whilst every care will be taken, the DofE magazine cannot and will not be held responsible for any material which is lost, mislaid or damaged. Please send items to the Windsor address.

Participants should check with their Licensed Organisation to ensure that an opportunity they wish to pursue, advertised in these pages, will count for their DofE programme.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Read the latest news and information from the DofE Head Office through our email newsletter, sent to Leaders registered on eDofE. View it online at: DofE.org/newsletters/dofe_news.html

THE MAGAZINE The DofE magazine is aimed at DofE Leaders at all levels and Licensed Organisations. Items (not photographs) in the magazine may be reproduced free of charge, with acknowledgement to its source. Whereas every reasonable precaution is taken prior to accepting advertisements in the DofE magazine, in respect of the suitability of the advertisers and their abilities to provide the goods and services they advertise, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award cannot and will not accept responsibility for the failure of advertisers to fulfil their obligations to their customers as a result of an advertisement appearing in this magazine.

We have a limit on the amount of adverts we carry in this magazine. We hope you can support our advertisers as this income enables us to print and distribute the magazine to you free of charge.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity No. 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254,

and a Royal Charter Corporation No. RC000806.

The magazine for DofE Leaders Issue 30: SUMMER 2018

Magazine

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Dave Wood - Editor

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

The magazine mailing list is taken directly from your profile on eDofE. If you change your address, please amend your own details within eDofE. If you have more than one role and receive more than one magazine, please pass it on to

someone who may like to read it. If you are no longer involved in the DofE, please arrange for your account to be archived.

Students from Leicester Grammar School enjoying their Bronze expedition training.

APPROVEDACTIVITY

PROVIDER


Features6 Something to shout about Eight great ideas to help you

promote your DofE activities.

8 All change! We’ve five new Recommended Retailers of Expedition Kit, bringing you more choice and some fantastic discounts.

13 Bronze expedition options trial Your chance to join the trial of Bronze expedition options.

19 Staff building success How two companies are using the DofE within their businesses – plus your chance to join the DofE Adventure.

20 It’s for you A round-up of activities being undertaken for this year’s DofE Challenge.

22 Anyone for tennis? Read about HRH The Earl of Wessex’s Tennis Challenge.

31 Boost your career with the DofE How delivering the DofE can help you develop your career.

34 GDPR and the DofE The implications of the new General Data Protection Regulations on the DofE and you.

37 Manager training We tell you about our plans for DofE Manager training.

Regulars11 Getting personal The DofE’s Chief Executive, Peter

Westgarth, asks you how you visualise the DofE.

15 DofE Update An update on news from the Charity.

16 The DofE in Action News of DofE activities and

achievements from around the UK.

23 DofE Q&A Our latest collection of answers to frequently

asked questions.

24 eDofE Update All the latest developments within the

world of eDofE.

27 Out There Resources, opportunities and more to help

you in your DofE work.

29 Opportunities Spotlight Highlighting some great

opportunities for your participants.

SCOTLAND: Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, EDINBURGH EH12 5EZ T: 0131 343 0920 E: [email protected] DofE.org/scotland

WALES: First Floor, Plas Y Ffynnon, Cambrian Way, BRECON, Powys LD3 7HP T: 01874 623086 E: [email protected] DofE.org/wales

NORTHERN IRELAND: Unit 4 Lower Ground Floor, Forestgrove Business Park, Newtownbreda Road, BELFAST BT8 6AW T: 0289 069 9100 E: [email protected] DofE.org/nireland

ENGLAND: Central England: First Floor Offices, Arthur House, 21 Mere Green Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 5BS T: 0121 308 9470 E: [email protected] DofE.org/central

London: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, London Regional Office, 11 Belgrave Road, LONDON SW1V 1RB T: 0207 630 9092 E: [email protected] DofE.org/london

North of England: Knotty Ash Centre, 251 East Prescot Road, LIVERPOOL L14 5NA T: 0151 228 2533 E: [email protected] DofE.org/northofengland

South East: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU T: 01753 727450 E: [email protected] DofE.org/southeast

South West: Unit 12A, Church Farm Business Park, CORSTON, Somerset BA2 9AP, T: 01225 874 354 E: [email protected] DofE.org/southwest

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: Award House, 7-11 St Matthew Street LONDON SW1P 2JT T: 020 7222 4242 E: [email protected] intaward.org

UK DofE OfficesDofE HEAD OFFICE: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk

WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU T: 01753 727400

E: [email protected] DofE.org

contents

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As a Leader, we know you’re doing amazing work day in, day out to help young people in their development and support them on that next step into their future. Michelle Riordan provides eight ideas and examples of how you can let your local community know about your DofE group’s activities and participants’ achievements.

something to SHOUT about

great tool to grow your social media following and for getting traffic to your website. If your photographs contain young people, ensure that you get their permission for them to be used. You must get consent from the parents or guardians of any person under 18 or vulnerable adults that you intend to photograph, which can easily be gathered on the enrolment form or a separate model release form (download one from tinyurl.com/DofE-model).

Create a prominent DofE noticeboard

Noticeboards are a fantastic way to publicise DofE achievements to non-participants and staff at your LO to build a positive image of the DofE and encourage their involvement. You can use the noticeboard to advertise DofE meetings, sign-up sheets and keep everyone up to date on the progress of your DofE group. Why not create progress charts or take a screenshot of your eDofE [participant overview] screen. You could also create a ‘Hall of fame’ on your noticeboard to recognise young people who have achieved their Award so far this year. Ask these Award holders to write about their DofE skills and experience and display this too. This will also help inspire those who still have sections of their programme to complete.

It’s important to spread the word about your DofE centre or group. Not only will it help you attract new participants to sign up for their DofE and more volunteers to help your young people achieve, but also you could gain funding and

support from local sponsors and community figures. Here, we’ve rounded up eight things you can do to help raise your group’s profile.

Showcase DofE activities on your LO’s website

Create a DofE area on your Licensed Organisation’s (LO’s) website. This is a great place to publish information and links for parents and those interested in starting their DofE. This is particularly true for potential students who might be looking to see if a school or college in their local area offers DofE programmes. Consider sharing content, such as photographs of your young people, to bring your DofE story to life. This will help illustrate the benefits of taking part and encourage volunteers, staff and governors at your LO to further support and promote your DofE activities. You could also link to your latest press release where people can find out more about the DofE and how you’re helping young people reach their full potential.

Capture great photographs and show them off

Don’t forget to capture fun photographs of your young people as they embark on their adventures. Posting photographs of participants doing interesting or unusual activities for any of their sections can be a


Create promotional materials on the DofE Brand Centre

Create leaflets, posters and banners to promote the DofE ready for next year’s participants, volunteers and parents through the DofE Brand Centre (DofE.org/brandcentre). You can personalise items to your group and you don’t need any special software to do so. You can upload your own photographs or use our image library. Select which text to include from a bank of pre-written phrases, and co-brand items with your logo.

Use social media to raise awareness of your activities

Your LO’s social networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, can help raise awareness of the work you are doing through the DofE – and it’s free. You could use social media to publicise information events, presentations and training courses and to share photos of participants and their activities. If your LO is a school, you could also check out our Get social! guide (available from DofE.org/downloads). Don’t forget to tag the DofE Head Office account in your posts. You can follow us on Twitter (@DofE) and Instagram (@DofEUK) and join in the conversation using #DofE where possible. Alternatively, find us on Facebook by searching ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’.

Include DofE updates in your e-newsletters

Email marketing is the easiest and most effective way to reach your key stakeholders directly. If your LO circulates an email newsletter, you could include a DofE update for inclusion. It can focus on all sectional activities to show the breadth of the DofE experience.

Maximise your press coverage in the local area

Engaging with the media in your local area is one of the best ways to promote your DofE group. Raising awareness of the work you do to help change the lives of young people and shouting about the work they do in your community can be invaluable. Send a press release to local newspapers on your DofE group’s achievements for the year, ensuring it is sent to the right person, such as the News Editor. Media staff are interested in stories that are local, topical and original; have a human interest element and are visually interesting. Consider statistics, examples or personal stories about your group or Award holders. Has your group done something you’ve never tried before with DofE participants? A different type of expedition, perhaps, or have you supported someone with additional needs through their DofE programme? Has someone really shone during their DofE; achieved something great or discovered hidden talents? Display any coverage you obtain on your DofE noticeboard and in your LO’s press cuttings book and reception area if there is one. You could also circulate it through email or put it up in your LO’s staff room or on the meeting place noticeboard. For more advice on how to maximise your press coverage, check out our document on ‘Telling your DofE story’ via DofE.org/downloads. You can download template press releases from DofE.org/promoting-your-group.

Celebrate huge successes within your group

Hold an event to present certificates and badges, recognising the hard work and determination shown by young people to achieve their Awards. Ask Award holders or participants to demonstrate the skills they’ve learnt through their DofE and use it as a publicity event for future participants and their parents to see what it is all about – perhaps at an open evening. Invite along the local press (or send them a press release and photographs afterwards), notable figures in the community and/or an inspirational speaker to help give the event a sense of importance. This might pave the way for future support with your DofE activities.

Delivery

7

For more tips and ideas on how to get your DofE group

and activities noticed, visit the Schools’ Calendar at

DofE.org/schoolscalendar. It is useful for non-school groups as well.

7


On 1 April 2018 we changed our Recommended Retailer of Expedition Kit to not just another retailer – but to five retailers. Our new partners are GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso and here Peter Schooling explains how the whole DofE network will benefit.

ALL CHANGE!• At least 15% discount for DofE adults – check each

retailer for their offer.• The Blacks, Millets and Ultimate Outdoors discounts

include sale items.• The GO Outdoors discount is on top of their own

discount price.• Special offers will run throughout the year – make

sure you sign up to receive DofE Offers emails at DofE.org/preferences.

• Between them they represent 40% of the outdoor market by value.

• There are over 240 outdoor stores to choose from nationwide.

Why are we changing our Recommended Retailer?• There will be a broader range of value and premium

kit to choose from. • A greater listing of DofE Recommended Kit in stores

and online.• Each has dedicated group sales numbers to

contact.• The DofE discount is valid across all product

categories throughout the year.• At least 10% discount for participants – check each

retailer for their offer.

The Recommended Retailers are all part of the JD retail group and include:

Listed above are the headline discounts for adults which are on top of their existing discount card or sale prices (except Tiso).


3. Where can I find my nearest stores?Visit DofEShopping.org/storefinder, which requires your postcode to match you to your nearest stores.

How do I access the discount?At the end of March we sent new personalised DofE Cards to all DofE adults registered on eDofE. If you have an eDofE account and have not received yours it may be because your address details are not filled in correctly. If you have not received your new DofE Card by 30 April, please email [email protected] with your eDofE ID, name and postal address.

Downloadable vouchers are now availableIf you have an existing DofE Reward Card and have not received a new Card, all older DofE cards will be accepted by all the stores until 30 October 2018. Alternatively anyone can download a voucher from eDofE, which will give you access to the same discounts.

DofE benefitIn addition to the obvious benefit of providing savings to parents and DofE adults, these retailers also provide a commission to the DofE Charity when a sale is made. This means we all have a reason to buy from them – a Win-Win-Win for all!

The offer to the DofE networkEach retailer is providing a slightly different offer to the DofE, however for DofE adults there will be at least 15% off, and for participants (and their parents) there is at least 10% off.

Participant cards will not be available until the autumn and until then they can use a voucher – either downloaded from eDofE or in all Welcome Packs purchased from 1 April.

Questions and answers1. Does the discount apply to items already on sale or reduced price?In the majority of the cases, yes it does. As you would expect there are some terms and conditions that apply, which normally relate to specific products like gift cards or certain technology brands.

The 15% off GO Outdoors offer is taken off their discount card price, not the retail price. For example, if the standard price is £100, and the Go Outdoors Discount Card price is £90 (10% off), you will only pay £76.50 as your DofE Card gives you an extra 15% off. Just show your DofE Card at the checkout or input the online code and they will apply the total discount. However, Sale, ‘WOW’ and other deals are exempt.

The 15% discount at Blacks, Millets and Ultimate Outdoors DOES include reduced price and sale items. So, when in store or on their websites, just take 10% off the current price shown (even if it is on sale). For example, a jacket with a normal price of £100 may be on sale at £80. With the DofE Card you get an extra 15% off the £80 sale price. So you would actually pay just £68.

The 20% discount at Tiso DOES NOT include reduced price or sale items, but obviously has a higher headline discount for both participants and Leaders. To get an update on all exemptions visit DofEShopping.org/T&Cs for full details.

2. Can I get a discount online?Yes. The DofE Card discount also applies to the five websites:

• Gooutdoors.co.uk• Blacks.co.uk• Millets.co.uk• Ultimateoutdoors.com• Tiso.co.uk

On the back of the DofE Card is a code that ends with ADU or PAR, which can be used online for the discount.

DofE Card

Donna Jakkit



I’m sure you now have one in your mind’s eye as you read. Our research shows that for young participants it’s an inspiring DofE Leader who brings the DofE to life for them. They shape their thinking about their Award and the scope of what

they could do and achieve.

For me, after the vision of a smiling young person achieving, I visualise a DofE Manager at the focal point between the DofE Charity and the front line delivery of DofE programmes, facilitating a team of Leaders inspiring young people.

Traditionally a DofE Manager was an officer in the local authority managing a team of Co-ordinators in a range of schools and other centres across a county. For their patch they are the face of the DofE and their style and approach set the image for the DofE.

Now, our network is predominantly DofE Managers focussed on their own school that has become a Licensed Organisation (LO). The evolution of this new breed of DofE Manager has created a wonderful

Peter WestgarthChief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

GETTINGPERSONAL

opportunity for the impact of DofE to increase and broaden, and for the DofE to have an impact on them and their careers.

Placing the key management role at school level is inspiring a more strategic approach to building the capacity for delivery in each school with development plans. These are agreed with school senior managers and integrated into each school’s strategic plan, forming the basis of their activities and gaining buy-in from their colleagues.

Assisted developmentThis role goes beyond the scope of the traditional DofE Leader in school and we have been conscious that we need to support the development of this new breed of DofE Manager. We need to provide guidance on the requirements of the role and support to develop the key skills required to manage. The DofE Manager Foundation Course covered on page 37 is the first stage of these developments.

We have also spotted that those management skills are transferable to other aspects of a career in education. This is something that astute headteachers have long recognised and used to develop those teachers who are aspiring to senior leadership positions.

We plan to build on this incidental benefit to taking on the leadership role for the DofE and, working with those teachers wishing to build their professional management credentials at a higher level, introduce management training and recognition.

I would be very interested to hear from DofE Managers whose role has proven to be a gateway to development in their career and any thoughts on elements we should consider for the course programme. We would expect to be seeking our first cohort of programme participants in the new academic year. Contact me at [email protected].

If you visualise the DofE organisation as a person, who do you see? The Duke? Prince Edward? A young person punching

the air on achieving their Award? Your local DofE Leader, Co-ordinator or Manager who seems to epitomise everything DofE?



the team to draw out their learning from the expedition without the need to undertake a more formal presentation.

COMBINED ASSESSOR/SUPERVISORWhere someone trained as either an Assessor or Supervisor is able to take on the dual role.We think that, for a typical Bronze expedition, one appropriately trained individual can both supervise and assess one or more expedition teams, without a negative impact on the supervision or assessment of the team. Anyone undertaking this dual role will already be either a Supervisor or an Assessor. As such they will have a good knowledge of the requirements of the 20 conditions of the Expedition section and understand the need to ensure that participants are trained to a sufficient standard to enable them to travel safely and complete their qualifying expedition.

TRAININGA robust and thorough training programme and schedule, removing the need for a practice expedition.We think that, in many cases, reducing the costs and volunteer commitment by removing the requirement for a second set of overnight costs associated with a practice expedition will allow more young people to participate in the DofE. This should not have a negative impact on a participant’s experience.

Bronze expedition options trial

GENERIC AIMHaving the aim pre-set by a Leader for one or more teams.Many Leaders have told us that some participants struggle to set an aim that is both achievable and sensible. This option allows for a Leader to either provide a pre-set list of aims that could be used or simply set the aim. It could achieve consistency, help participants understand the use of an aim and how to set something appropriate.

NO PRESENTATIONRemoving the need for a presentation after the expedition but still incorporating a thorough debrief with the Assessor.We know that many participants fail to complete a presentation after their expedition, often because there is a significant time delay between when the qualifying expedition is completed and when it’s possible to organise a presentation. In the interim the participant’s situation can change and the presentation isn’t completed. We already have the requirement for a debrief with the Assessor on the finish day and we believe that this could potentially be used by

Last year we piloted some options around Bronze expeditions that have the potential to make participation in the DofE accessible to more young people. For this expedition season we are conducting a broader trial of these alternative options to how the Bronze Award expedition can be run. Ian Newbery looks at the five areas under trial...

The practical training must be comprehensive – meeting the requirements of the DofE’s Bronze Expedition Training Framework – and include participants carrying all of their equipment when journeying, putting up and taking down a tent, and cooking a hot meal. It is not necessary for the training to have an overnight stay. However, participants need to understand the level of fitness required for a two-day expedition as well as the practical skill of time management.

INDOOR ACCOMMODATIONExtending the existing provision for indoor accommodation to be used without the need to apply for permission.We regularly have participants with additional needs using indoor accommodation but we make them seek permission to do this. We wish to be more inclusive and include those for whom camping is a barrier to them partaking in the DofE. For some this may be issues around the perceived lack of security that a tent offers. It is important to understand that ‘having camped’ is not a vital outcome of the DofE in itself. What we are trying to achieve is inspiring young people to develop initiative, a spirit of adventure and discovery by planning, training for and completing an adventurous self-sufficient journey as part of a team.

If you’d like more information on this trial, or wish to take part, please contact your Regional/

Country DofE Office or seeDofE.org/BronzeExpeditionTrial

DofE CACT Greenwich



DofE EssentialsIf you are looking to buy souvenirs, books and other DofE promotional and operational items, visit DofE Essentials. This is accessed through the [Essentials] tab within eDofE and also gives Administrators and dofE Managers access to buy Participation Places and Expedition Assessment Vouchers.

Brand CentreOur Brand Centre provides you with a central resource to produce DofE materials promoting the DofE in your area. You can personalise them to your group, without the need for any special software or skills. The Brand Centre allows you to customise DofE leaflets, posters,

Important information from the Charity

Chills Bright Futures Finesse Leisure – Stanborough Activity CentreKnowsley Youth Mutual T/A Knowsley Outdoors Education CentreTake 2 Adventure LtdWest End Adventure Group

updateApproved Activity Providers APPROVED

ACTIVITYPROVIDER

Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) are organisations, both commercial and charitable, whose sectional opportunities have been approved by the DofE as meeting our sectional conditions and can count towards the achievement of a DofE Award.

AAPs are able to provide Assessors to sign off the section. Our most recently signed-up AAPs include the following:

banners and much more. It offers flexibility and the opportunity for you to tailor our resources to your needs and demands. We will be adding resources to the Brand Centre during the year and into the future, so it will be a must-have site to bookmark on your computer! Find out more and visit the Brand Centre at DofE.org/brandcentre.

DofE Wales OfficePlease note that the DofE Wales Office has moved and is now at:The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, First Floor, Plas Y Ffynnon, Cambrian Way, BRECON, PowysLD3 7HP. E: [email protected]: 01874 623086 DofE.org/wales.

A key to symbols, plus a listing of all AAPs, is available at DofE.org/aap.

YHA offers free breaks to disadvantaged young peopleDisadvantaged young people are being given the opportunity to experience travel and adventure with a free short break thanks to the Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales). As part of the charity’s new Challenging Lives breaks programme, a two-night stay at one of its youth hostels in England and Wales is being offered.

The Challenging Lives programme aims to give children living difficult lives the adventure of a lifetime, from searching for dinosaur fossils or trying a spot of weaselling to canoeing down a river. The programme is aimed at eight to 18-year-olds who have recently experienced life threatening medical or mental health conditions, bereavement or homelessness, or young people living with a disability/medical condition, or those taking on a caring role. Applications for Challenging Lives are open until 1 June 2018 for groups of up to 12 young people and includes accommodation for a maximum of two nights and a food package. To apply for a YHA Challenging Lives break visit yha.org.uk/apply-support. For help to complete the application or for any queries contact the YHA Breaks team on 01629 592 723 or at [email protected].


Foster Care Associates in Sheffield delivers the DofE to young people in foster care to help them to have a voice and encourage them to engage in positive activities. Take-up is great and one young person, for example, started cooking a meal each week for her skill which has helped her to develop her independence skills for when she leaves foster care. Her Leader says it has been brilliant to see her grow in confidence and learn new skills. This is a great example of how the DofE makes a difference to the lives of young people. Those with low self-esteem are growing in confidence and are realising what they can do.

NEWS OF DofE ACTIVITIES AROUND THE UK

The DofE in ACTION

More than 40 pupils from Northern Ireland took part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in Dublin recently. DofE participant Harvey Donnelly from Wellington College in Belfast impressed judges with his project, which uses a computer programme to model electrochemical cell reactions to build better batteries. The exhibition teamed up with the DofE so that participants, like Harvey, can use their project work to count towards the Skills section of their Bronze programmes.

Gold participant from Suffolk, Alex Goodchild, is pictured here celebrating the climax of his volunteering project in January. Alex paddled three rivers, over 90 miles and collected a massive 365 discarded plastic bottles as part of a conservation campaign with Surfers Against Sewage.

SKILLS FOR LIFE

DofE participant Ellie Burke worked with Cambodian Hope Organisation (CHO) last year from February to August. “It was the most eye-opening experience I have had in my life. I saw poverty beyond my comprehension, became part of CHO’s family and saw joy and hope in the villages around Cambodia when their living conditions were extremely poor. We took it in turns as a team to prepare a 15-minute talk with a translator every Monday and Wednesday for devotions – something I have never done before, although I feel I have grown in my ability to talk publicly. One day a week after preparing a bible talk, a craft, songs and games, we would go into the villages to spend time with the children and see CHO’s amazing work”. Read more at chowiththeflow.wordpress.com/blog.

CHO WITH THE FLOW

POSITIVE ENERGY

PLASTIC FANTASTIC


Saltash Open Award Centre (SOAC) in Cornwall celebrates its young people’s achievement with a presentation evening each year. It’s always a great chance to showcase everything the participants have accomplished. The young people at SOAC have given over 320 hours of their own time to the community through volunteering and they’ve walked over 1,400 miles on their expeditions between them in just one year. The participants have also developed themselves by learning new skills like art, cooking and acting, as well as taking part in physical activities such as rugby, gym work and football.

The DofE in ACTION

CREAM OF CORNWALL

SIGN SKILLS

Send your stories and pictures to [email protected]

Members of the Silver DofE group from All Saints Catholic College, Dukinfield, are pictured here taking part in the act of remembrance at Tameside in Greater Manchester last November.

Last December cadets and staff from 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron RAF Air Cadets teamed up with SSAFA (the Tri-Service Military Charity) to run a café in support of veterans and their families in a local shopping centre. The café, as the part of the cadets’ DofE volunteering work, was created to help fight social isolation, a major issue with veterans.

TEA’S COMPANY

17

Four Silver participants from Helston Community College took part in their practice expedition across Bodmin Moor on the same weekend as the BBC Countryfile Ramble, raising money for Children in Need. The four students raised £230 for the charity. Dave Semmons, the college’s DofE Manager, said “On behalf of the DofE team, we would like to say how proud we were of these girls.”

THE MOOR THE MERRIER

THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESSLearning to cook for her DofE Skills section prompted Georgia Thomas, of Balcarras School in Cheltenham, to write her own cookbook. Georgia says: “Apart from a bit of baking I’d not really done any cooking until I chose it for my Skills section. I found many recipes assumed a lot of knowledge and I ended up asking my mum for help. This is what gave us the idea for publishing a cookbook for teens when we were trying to think of fundraising ideas for our expedition.” To order, search Facebook for ‘50 Recipes Teenagers Can Tackle’.

Derwen College in Oswestry provides vocational education, personal and social development for young people with ASD, communication and learning difficulties and disabilities. Our picture shows a DofE participant at the college showing his map symbol identification skills as part of his Bronze expedition training.



Seeing the number of people there, supporting The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, was extraordinary.”

To find out more about the Adventureand register, go to DofEAdventure.org. O

ne of our Young Ambassadors, Kimberley Parkinson, took part in the inaugural 2017 event. She was also invited to share her DofE story with attentive Adventurers during dinner in Base Camp marquee.

She enthused afterwards: “The experience of the DofE Adventure was very challenging but so rewarding at the same time – especially as I twisted my ankle the day before the walk. The spirit, encouragement and energy from everyone throughout the UK was enough to get me through the walk smiling and happy, and knowing that it was helping young people in the future.

The DofE Adventure 2018 takes place in the Cotswolds on 15 and 16 September, with the option to hike either one day (30km) or two days (50km).

What you can expect on the AdventureDofE

Special offer for DofE Magazine readersUse code DofEMAG by 30 April

to get 30% off registration.

One of the UK’s leading vehicle retailers, Lookers, is giving its young apprentices the opportunity to embark on a Gold DofE Award journey. As well as becoming a Silver Partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the company is introducing the DofE as part of its overall investment in the future of its skilled workers. On-the-job training is already a priority, but it believes that life skills, such as those developed when doing a DofE programme, are just as important. They hope that the partnership will benefit those from apprentice technicians through to trainee sales representatives. Lookers are keen to attract DofE Gold Award holders into the business as a way of targeting talented, ambitious young people with the right skill set for a very customer-oriented business. Andy Bruce, Chief Executive of Lookers, said he was delighted to be a key partner of the DofE: “We believe all young people deserve the chance to build the skills they need to fulfil their potential. We are keen to encourage them to apply these skills in an exciting sector like the motor industry. The DofE makes this possible by offering 14-24 year olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to start their own DofE programme. Their DofE Award stays with them for life”.

STAFF BUILDING SUCCESSFive employees from builders’ merchants Travis Perkins have achieved their Gold Awards, as part of a scheme to empower and promote women in the construction industry. They were presented with their certificates in January at St James’s Palace. Sadie Garland-Kenny from Travis Perkins said her DofE was important to her as it was a journey which changed her life, “It has given me a confidence I never thought I would have, which is proving to bring me lots of opportunities.” she said. Travis Perkins is a great supporter of the DofE and recognises how it allows individuals to develop the practical and social skills the organisation is looking for. As such, the company offers 15 places a year to women under the age of 23 to start their DofE. They want to help support the personal development of ambitious women starting their careers with Travis Perkins and to accelerate their progression in the construction industry. Helen Smith, HR Director from Travis Perkins, said: “At Travis Perkins we are really proud to offer our young female employees the chance to do their DofE. We truly believe that it equips our staff with a huge array of transferable skills that will help them have a productive and prosperous future.”

DofE Ambassadors enjoyed the DofE Adventure 2017


The DofE Challenge is your chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone and raise money for the DofE Charity. Everyone’s invited to take part, no matter what your age or ability. Here, we focus on companies and individuals who are taking on the DofE Challenge this year...

IT’S FOR YOU

My DofE storyCarla Mitchell (25) from Berkshire, is a security trainer at Heathrow. She was given the opportunity to do her DofE while working at the airport. Since 2012, Heathrow has offered Gold DofE programmes to younger colleagues as a way of helping them fulfil their potential and boost their confidence. She says: “I was thrilled when the chance arose to participate in the DofE at work, as I had not taken advantage of this opportunity at school or at Guides. Through doing my DofE I was able to develop and enhance skills that employers are looking for, including leadership, teamwork, self-motivation, communication and confidence. “I was hospitalised during my first attempt at the expedition and was devastated, as I thought achieving my Award had been jeopardised. I recovered and was able to take part a few months later. Crossing the line was a huge personal achievement. “I know now that I can achieve anything that I set my mind to, all thanks to the DofE.”

Heathrow Colleagues are sky highGold Award holders at Heathrow were among more than 70 colleagues taking on a 30-metre high ‘Sky Walk’ for the DofE in March, kicking off their DofE Challenges for 2018. With adrenaline pumping, they challenged themselves to walk the 50m wire across Terminal 5, between the Arrivals and Departures buildings. Passengers looked on in awe as they attempted the feat, which coincided with T5’s tenth birthday celebrations. Recently announced as Strategic Partners of the Charity, Heathrow has been a long-standing supporter of the DofE, running Gold Award programmes for colleagues aged under 25. More than 1,000 have taken on previous DofE Challenges, including a zipwire from the roof of Terminal 2 and a 34-mile Crossrail Walk from Terminal 4 to Abbey Wood. John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Airport Chief Executive, emphasised his commitment to the Charity: “I am a big supporter of the DofE, and how it changes young people’s lives. When I was 17, I went on my own Gold Award expedition, and learned a lot about working in a team. Over the past few years, I’ve seen many of our colleagues progress into new roles because they took part in the Gold Award programme we offer here at the airport.”


Volunteers are on call from 7pm to 6am, plus 24 hours at weekends and public holidays. “I took this challenge because I was a keen motorcyclist and was looking for a way to put my skills to good use. Second, I work for Abellio – a company that is a strong supporter of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with a programme for younger members of staff to achieve their Award. I’ve seen the difference it can make to their lives. “It took me three months to complete my advanced motorcycle training. Then I started my role: a minimum two shifts a month, but more usually up to twice a week. There’s the knowledge that you might help save a life – that’s what makes it worthwhile. I also raised more than £1,000 for the DofE – I’m proud to support the Charity and am delighted I had the opportunity to take a skill I enjoy further, for the benefit of society.”

You can take on the DofE Challenge 2018 – it’s free to register and you’ll receive a well-deserved pin and certificate when you complete the challenge and hit the minimum £60 fundraising target. Find out more and sign up at DofEChallenge.org. The DofE Challenge is also a great way to introduce under 14s to the DofE. To find out about registering a group, email [email protected].

New challenges for 2018Once again, Challengers are pushing themselvesout of their comfort zone in lots of different ways,all for a great cause: from Matthew, planning tobe the first person to paddleboard down England on rivers and canals, to Gretta, swimming the height of Everest.

Royal Parks HalfWe’re delighted to have secured ten fundraising places in the iconic Royal Parks Half Marathon – one of the most popular annual running events in the UK. This stunning central London Half Marathon takes in some of the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads and four of London’s eight Royal Parks. We’re asking for a £30 registration fee and a minimum £350 fundraising for the DofE. If you or someone you know would be interested in running for the DofE Charity, please email [email protected].

The London MarathonThis month, John Crabtree from Supporting Partner UK Power Networks is running the London Marathon for the DofE, with a fundraising target of £1,500. “I’ve always played with the idea of running a marathon so needed little encouragement when the opportunity was offered. Knowing even a small amount of money raised can be used towards kit or travel expenses for DofE participants facing financial hardship helped me to keep training through the icy cold wind and rain!”

Reflections of a Challenger Steve Enright reflects on his life changing Challenge... “Back in 2016 I took on a DofE Diamond Challenge. I didn’t realise the long-lasting impact it would have on my life – and the lives of others. “My challenge was to become part of the Volunteer Blood Service (VBS), transporting vital blood products by motorbike out of hours for the NHS.

2018

Get inspired by all our Challengers at

DofEChallenge.org/thechallengers


HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO’s year-long Tennis Challenge 2018 is well underway, shining a light on the life-transforming work of the DofE across the UK.

Alongside playing Real Tennis matches, HRH is meeting local DofE Leaders, Managers and participants, finding out first-hand about the impact of the DofE. The visits also include fundraising events which help to generate

awareness and bring in donations for the Charity. At the launch fundraising dinner in Cambridge, guests were moved by young speaker Jamie (right), who is diagnosed with Autism, ADHD and anxiety. He shared his new-found confidence from doing his DofE Bronze programme at Nenegate School in Peterborough: “The DofE has really helped me become a stronger person, who is not scared to try new things. It has been fun to learn new and practical skills. My DofE has given me the opportunity to explore my independence. I am really glad we have the chance to do it at our school.”

The event raised £50,000 for the DofE. In Bristol, The Earl was invited to the All Aboard! Watersports Centre, an Approved Activity Provider delivering DofE activities for children in local special educational needs schools. He started KataKanu races and then chatted to participants and Leaders.

The Earl enthused about the experience of the Tennis Challenge so far: “The response has been great! The clubs have been so generous and hopefully those young people who’ve had the chance to have a go at a totally new sport have enjoyed the experience. “I think the DofE Leaders and Managers I’ve met have equally enjoyed something completely different. After all, it’s what the

DofE is all about, and who knows, maybe there’s a future World Champion among them!”

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

Included in a busy schedule for the Tennis Challenge in the North of England, HRH Earl of Wessex visited the new offices of RSM in Leeds. During his visit he met Gold Award alumni, who shared how their DofE experience helped get them to where they are today. RSM has been a committed supporter of the DofE for 12 years – Gold Partner of the Charity and Headline Sponsor of HRH Earl of Wessex Tennis Challenge 2018. They are committed to helping boost the aspirations, life and work skills of young people UK-wide, investing in their own talent by offering them Gold DofE programmes. Through the Diamond Challenge in 2016 and the DofE Challenge in 2017, RSM lives and breathes its values whilst giving back to the communities they work in. In true DofE spirit, thousands of RSM colleagues across the UK push themselves out of their comfort zones at every opportunity, raising awareness and much-needed funds for our Charity. For the DofE Diamond Challenge in 2016, 1,000 employees and partners learnt a new skill, had an

adventure and volunteered around the UK whilst raising £90,000 for the DofE. Last year, 1,300 RSM colleagues took on an ‘Around the World’ challenge. They walked, ran, cycled, canoed, swam and zorbed 54,000 miles – circumnavigating the world twice – raising an additional £80,000 for the DofE. To mark The Earl’s visit, Leeds RSM team decided to go the extra mile, literally, topping up the distance already covered. The Earl was on hand to offer his support as they cycled their way past the 4,000 mile mark.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE


I’m going to a residential activity but want to leave on day four to go to another event that clashes. Can I come back and do another night and day at a later time?

This is very unlikely. Some of the benefits of the Residential section include developing respect and understanding for others, developing skills and attitudes to live and work with others, building new relationships and showing concern for others whilst working as part of a team towards shared goals.

These benefits take time to accomplish and truncating the residential experience or splitting it into separate experiences makes this difficult to achieve.

Only in really exceptional circumstances can the minimum activity time of five days and four nights be separated. On page 94 of The Handbook for DofE Leaders it states that these exceptional circumstances are to be approved at the discretion of the Licensed Organisation (LO).

You say that ‘you must commit to regular activities averaging at least an hour a week’ can I do more than this or less often than once a week?

Sectional activities need to average an hour a week, with the first and last activities being the full section duration apart. At Bronze it is usual for activities to be weekly. For longer sections at Silver and Gold it can help for the activity to be longer (in terms of hours per session) but less often. This can be good for the Volunteering section to allow participants to take on more interesting, challenging and responsible activities.

We encourage young people to make a difference within their communities or to an individual’s life and develop compassion by giving service to others so some participants may wish to give more time to their volunteering.

This kind of decision must be made in reference to the individual, their overall programme and with the prior agreement of their DofE Leader/Licensed Organisation.

I am on a course doing aerial theatre/fitness. Which section can I use this for?

Aerial theatre/fitness is similar to an extreme sport with elements of climbing, abseiling, gymnastics, aerobics and performance. Whilst performing on a stage is a skill the aerobic, abseiling and gymnastic aspects of aerial theatre have a heavy emphasis on the physical. In this respect it becomes more akin to a gymnastic routine than a dramatic performance, although the

visual impact will be dramatic. This is therefore a Physical activity.

Do self-defence classes count as a skill due to the learning around the importance of understanding body language and non-verbal communication (NVC) and recognising warning and danger signs that are shown by a subject before they make a physical attack?

No, it is a Physical section activity. Whilst it is acknowledged that a degree of skill is acquired in recognising when an attack may be imminent this is comparable to those skills required for martial arts.

How flexible is the expedition season? If we wished to run an expedition out of season, e.g. November, and complied with all policies etc. would this be acceptable?

The expedition season is actually a ‘should’, not a ‘must’. The expedition must fulfil the safety requirements of the LO and be approved by the LO irrespective of when it takes place.

We suggest the season to promote safe and enjoyable expeditions. There may, however, be a good reason for undertaking an expedition out of season. For example, some participants may not have been able to take part in the qualifying expedition and this could be a way of ensuring that they could complete their Expedition section. The main issue for us is enjoyment and to ensure that participants develop initiative, teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving and organisational skills.

DofEQ&ADofE participants are always thinking up new ways to do their programmes, creating challenging questions for DofE Leaders to answer. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions from the past few months; you can find more Q&As on DofE.org/faq.

Residential

Volunteering

ExpeditionQQ

AA

Physical

Q

Q

A

A

Q

A


Since the last issue of the DofE magazine, we have released the second instalment of developments of the eDofE training project. This development has introduced a number of significant changes, with all adult eDofE account holders seeing some new screens. Chris Armstrong provides more information...

eDofE UPDATEmodules that you have competed. If you cannot see one of the courses that you have completed, please get in touch with your DofE Regional/Country Office.

We have also introduced a new eDofE account type for those adults who have completed training courses but do not have an existing role/eDofE account with a Licensed Organisation (LO).

If you would like to get access to your training account, please email [email protected] and we will be able to

help you gain access.

If you have an administrator level account or are a DofE Manager, there are a few additional screens that your Operations Officer will go through with you. The [Training Search] screen allows you to view training records with those

connected to your LO.

There is also additional functionality to allow those LOs that deliver MTF training courses to administer these courses via eDofE. If you think that you should have access to some of these screens and don’t currently, please get in touch with your Operations Officer or Regional/Country Office.

MythbustingWe have been running some eDofE mythbuster sessions with colleagues here at the DofE and wanted to share some of the common questions that are asked to help dispel some of the myths.

All adult eDofE account holders will have access to the Training section screens within the system which will show three new screens:

• e-Learning: This gives access to the DofE’s suite of e-Learning modules. If you access and complete a module directly from eDofE your (hopefully!) successful completion will be automatically recorded in eDofE. It is also possible to access the e-Learning courses from outside of eDofE via DofEtraining.org.

• Course payment: From here you can see any courses that are pending payment. If you are attending a training course that is being delivered and run by a DofE Regional/Country Office there may be an option to pay for the course online using a credit or debit card.

• My training: On this page you will be able to see a record of the training courses and e-Learning


I’ve set up a participant with separate Bronze and Silver accounts – can they be merged?Unfortunately not – it is not possible to merge participant accounts. In this situation you would need to abandon the Silver account and re-add the level to the participant’s Bronze Award.

I’ve forgotten my password what should I do?If you know your username, the best thing to do is to use the [Forgot my password] link on the eDofE sign in page as we don’t have access to view any passwords. Here you have the option to answer your security question or to request that a temporary password is sent to the email address registered to your account.

I can’t see all of my training courses in the [My training] section of eDofE – why is this?There are a few different reasons why you can’t see your training account. One reason might be because you have multiple eDofE accounts that haven’t been linked via Single Sign On. By linking your eDofE accounts, your training records will be amalgamated. It might also be because that your training record was created before or after your eDofE account was set up. If they are separate your Regional/Country Office will be able to link the two.

eDofE

I’m new to eDofE and don’t have my own account set up yet. Can I share my login with a colleague?No. You should never share any of your passwords with anyone. As per the eDofE terms and conditions, you must not share your username and password.

Where can you buy participation places from?You can buy participation places via eDofE using the [DofE Essentials] shop. You can find links to this on the left-hand menu as well as in the eDofE header. Once you are in DofE Essentials, you can select [Welcome Packs]. When you have completed your order, the places will be available straight away for you and you can create new participants from the [Manage participants] section.

Who can buy participation places?In order to purchase participation places, you need to have either an Administrator or DofE Manager account. If you have an Administrator account you will have to have permission granted for [Can purchase participation places]. This permission will allow you to purchase participation places, blank certificates as well as DofE badges.

If you have any questions at all please email [email protected] or visit eDofEhelp.zendesk.com.

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Leaders from North Chad DofE enjoying their Lowland Leader Award training course.



RESOURCES • GADGETS • BOOKS • REVIEWS • OPPORTUNITIES • COMPETITIONS

O U T T H E R E

Teambuilding with Teens: Activities for Leadership, Decision Making, and Group Success is a book/CD containing 36 20-45 minute activities to make learning about leadership a hands-on, active experience. Young people are called on to recognise each other’s strengths, become better listeners, communicate clearly, identify their values, build trust, set goals, and more. Available from suppliers such as amazon.co.uk.

1 TEAMBUILDINGWITH TEENS

One for ambitious Gold Award expeditioners or gastronomic Leaders perhaps? It’s a multi-tool for camp cooks which comprises 12 handy tools: cheese grater, stirring spoon, carving fork, channel knife, serrated knife, paring knife, zester, peeler, garlic crusher, cork screw, can opener and a bottle opener. What more could you want? Available from online suppliers such as firebox.com for under £30.

Nobody puts damp tents, boots and sleeping bags away in the store room on purpose, but there’s often a degree of dampness in these places. Moisture can wreck camping equipment so why not invest in a de-humidifier? Here’s a budget portable one that may elongate the life of your kit – the Pifco P44018 10L Dehumidifier, currently on sale for under £125 from iwantoneofthose.com.

2 EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

3

Are you looking for a way to get your leadership team to bond or are you just after a fun activity for you and your friends? Why not take part in an Escape Room Experience? Working in teams and pairs, you have to escape from a themed room in 60 minutes by solving some tricky challenges. The DofE has some discounts on these events with Virgin Experiences – places cost around £20 per person with our code.

DofEShopping.org/your-discounts

Did you know that qualifying community groups can receive Office 365 Non-profit as a donation or upgrade to advanced features at a significant discount. To qualify for a Office 365 Non-profit plan, you must hold charitable status and sign Microsoft’s non-discrimination policy. products.office.com/en-gb/non-profit

4 ESCAPE THE REAL WORLD

65 SOFTWARE

ACCESS

DRYING TONIGHT

Whether it’s a hoody, t-shirt, gilet, fleece or outdoors jacket, there’s something for you in the new DofE Official clothing range. With DofE branded t-shirts costing just £8.99 (plus the opportunity to personalise them), why not kit out your DofE group participants and Leaders?

GARMENTS GALORE

See the range of DofE clothing atDofEShopping.org/dofe-clothing



Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) are organisations, both commercial and charitable, whose sectional opportunities have been approved by the DofE as meeting our conditions and can count towards the achievement of a DofE Award. AAPs are able to provide Assessors to sign off the section. Here’s a selection of some great opportunities currently on offer at DofE.org/aap:

DSActive, a programme run by the Down’s Syndrome Association, provides sporting activities for people with Down’s syndrome all across the country. They work with the Football Association and the Tennis Foundation to provide football and tennis sessions across the country for all ages and abilities and are launching athletics sessions this summer. This is a volunteering opportunity for those over 16 to help the clubs run their sessions. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who are passionate about sport and are perhaps looking to progress in to coaching in the future.

W: dsactive.org.ukE: alex.rawle@downs-syndromeT: 0333 1212 300 (Alex Rawle)

These courses are open to anyone looking to learn more about marine environments. As well as exploring different aspects of marine biology yourself, participants will learn about careers in marine biology and marine research. The courses give the opportunity to explore the wonders of the deep from the Field Studies Council (FSC) research vessel and by guided snorkelling safaris (on the course in Scotland). Participants will explore different elements of marine biology on these diverse courses, led by tutors with a background in marine biology. The FSC runs courses at locations across the UK.

W: field-studies-council.orgE: [email protected]: 01475 531420

The Down’s Syndrome Association

Marine Science Camp

OPPORTUNITIES SPOTLIGHTAPPROVEDACTIVITY

PROVIDER

These open Bronze expeditions in the Peak District are designed to support wheelchair users and individuals who have low mobility. Adventure Expeditions’ instructors are experienced at helping participants plan expeditions that use wheelchair-friendly terrain and that give the right level of challenge in a fun, supportive atmosphere. As part of its not-for-profit status, Adventure Expeditions subsidises the practice and qualifying expeditions in order to provide a great expedition experience that is affordable and offers an excellent level of support to participants.

W: adventure-expeditions.netE: [email protected]: 01433 651449

Wheelchair-friendly expeditions



“

The work-ready benefits for young people volunteering and developing skills outside of the classroom are well known – but have you thought how volunteering could benefit you?

On Thursday 15 March, the DofE supported a Q&A on the Guardian Teacher Network (GTN). A panel of experts came together online to share their opinions on the topic of teacher professional development, answering questions such as: what skills should teachers be

looking to develop to help them stand out and progress in their careers? What are leaders in schools looking for? Can teachers benefit by taking on extra responsibilities or volunteering to help with extracurricular projects and how does this sit alongside school-run CPD? We know that teachers are engaged and passionate about learning but also incredibly busy. The panel of eight experts including the Director of the DofE’s South East Region, Pete Singleton, explored what teachers can do to help boost their own career given their limited time. Relevant for teachers starting out in teaching or wanting to take on a little more responsibility, the online debate looked at some of the best approaches to teacher professional development. When asked what skills teachers should be looking to develop to help them stand out and progress in their careers, Liz Robinson, Chair of governors at the International Academy of Greenwich said: “I think the critical attributes I look for are a willingness to learn and an interest in the school beyond your own job.” Through running the DofE at your school or organisation you gain valuable experiences that help develop leadership and management skills whilst building a relationship with colleagues and students alike. As teachers, it can be hard to find the time to do extra-curricular activities – but how highly do school leaders value those who also volunteer with young people in their spare time? During the chat, one contributor on Twitter said that volunteering for Scouts and the DofE secured her a PGCE position after years working as a teaching assistant. We learned that CPD is important for teachers. Research shows us it helps them to help their pupils, it increases their wellbeing, they feel more engaged in work and they form a stronger relationship with their colleagues. Pete Singleton said: “This spring we will be launching some three-hour modules for those managing the DofE in schools. These foundation modules will in time lead to official recognition by the DofE of teachers who are demonstrating expertise and experience in managing teams of adults. We anticipate this will become a pathway for teachers into senior management positions as they prove their management and leadership credentials.”

boost YOUR career with the DofE

Read more about how DofE volunteers get a career boost through their volunteering on the Guardian Teacher Network tinyurl.com/DofE-gtn.

“I would certainly value those experiences. I think it demonstrates a level of

commitment to young people above and beyond. It also points to a wider

vision for education and what is important.

Liz RobinsonChair of governors

““Great professional development is a combination of theory and practice.

This is where the DofE can help teachers.

Pete SingletonDofE Director (South East)

“

“The DofE Manager role has given me the opportunity to develop leadership and managerial skills by becoming a leader of a small team. I am acting

head of my department and I believe this is in no small way down to my

volunteering. To achieve a promotion you have to go above and beyond your

subject and this has allowed me to show other characteristics that would

benefit my role.Elliott Stoutt

PE teacher, John Smeaton Academy




and safety, the countryside code, road safety etc. You have the ability to download from eDofE the contact details of your participants, staff and volunteers, and you should check your own organisation’s internal procedures before using the distribution list for communications. You should be particularly careful when writing about subjects not directly related to participation in a DofE programme such as local discounts, deals, fundraising events and opportunities to donate to, or fundraise for, your centre.

Data security matters Data security has, of course, been a requirement of earlier legislation. Our office sites and staff procedures are certified to the ISO27001 Information Security standard. Our certification to ISO27001 demonstrates the DofE’s adherence to Information Security best practice. We are proud to have been recertified at the end of 2016 following an independent audit by the British Standards Institute (BSI). Regular audits by BSI take place with the last one successfully completed in November 2017. Our data centres are similarly certified. If your LO does not have ISO27001 certification, you should nonetheless follow its principles.

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in May. It builds on previous legislation and bring more protection for consumers and puts more responsibility on organisations to respect people’s privacy. Phil Treleven and Siobhan Cronin explain the implications for the DofE and your groups...

In this article I will highlight what the DofE is doing to ensure it is compliant. I will also explain the responsibilities of our Licensed Organisations (LOs), their centres and their staff and volunteers when using personal data obtained from the

DofE – mainly of course that means e-mail addresses downloaded as csv files from eDofE. I’ll finish off with a word about data security. We want to make sure that we communicate in the right way, giving our various audiences the essential information they need to participate and complete a DofE programme, or to support young people in doing so. We also want to give them the chance to receive information about ways to save money during their involvement with the DofE, and about how they can support our Charity. Young people provide their contact details on eDofE so that we, and you, can support them during their participation in a DofE programme. For our part, we send them regular e-newsletters containing programme information and advice and motivational stories, and will continue to do so. Our Charity has a legitimate interest in doing so, as do our LOs, as we want young people to have a positive experience and get the most from their programme. We also, of course, want them to complete it and achieve a certificate and a badge that confirm to college admissions staff and employers that they are self-motivated team players.

Talking to adultsAdult staff and volunteers within an LO have also provided their contact details in eDofE and, similarly, we send regular newsletters to them to ensure they remain abreast of developments in the programme rules and are giving suitable and timely advice and encouragement to their participants. We include reminders about health

GDPR AND THE

DofE


GDPR

In particular we would highlight that the security of an LO’s eDofE data has a dependency on the password discipline of its own staff; their rigour in locking screens when leaving their desk; the care they take on shared computers; and the care they take of any copies of data they take from eDofE and place on local drives or memory sticks. That covers your role and the wider DofE work in this area. Next, we move on to how we are working to ensure that the DofE can keep participants and the adults who support them aware of the discounts and deals available to them.

Phil TrelevenUK Services Director

Why do people sign up for emails from companies and organisations?A new GDPR regulation is being put in place to reduce the amount of unwanted emails. You may therefore be asking yourself if you want to receive emails from any particular brand about their product or service on a regular basis. In a recent survey (tinyurl.com/emailgdpr) when asked why they would sign up to receive emails, the highest single reason for actively opting in was to receive deals and special offers, with the second highest being to receive news updates. I work in the DofE’s Commercial Partnerships team and we manage the DofE Reward Card partnership with expedition retailers as well as a range of other brand partnerships. With these brands we develop products and promotions that we believe have appeal with the DofE network. Our primary way of telling the DofE network about these is through our DofE Offers emails.

So why sign up for our emails?• Working with these partners generates income for

the DofE Charity. Last year our partnership marketing income generated the equivalent value of 32,000 DofE participant places.

• Who doesn’t want to save money? We have over 30 discount offers running currently and, just by inputting your discount code or clicking through the DofEShopping website, you can save up to 20% on things like days out, clothing, holidays, camping and technology.

• We have recently re-launched the DofE Clothing Range and also introduced the DofE Buff (where all profits go to the DofE Charity). You won’t hear about new additions or DofE ‘stuff’ if you don’t sign up.

• The expedition is often said to be the most expensive part of a DofE programme. Since the average spend

on the DofE Reward Card is £100. Discounts of between 10% and 25% could save card holders £10-£25!

• With our five new DofE Recommended Retailers of Expedition Kit (see page 8) you now have five times the opportunity to keep costs down. We will be working with GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso on extra value promotions throughout the year that you can only hear about through our emails.

• We have fantastic free prize draws. Our partners are very generous and, in the last year, we have given away an iPhone, three Vango expedition bundles each worth £270 and a Forest Holiday worth £800 – to name just a few. The primary way to enter these prize draws is by clicking through a DofE Offers email.

What you need to doWith the new data regulation coming in force on 25 May, all the deals and offers will be in place but we will not be able to tell you about them unless you opt in. You will still receive DofE programme emails, but the new regulation will not allow us to send you expedition kit or offer-based emails unless you specifically give us your permission. Our email open and click-through rates show that many of you do like to receive our emails so we hope you will want this to continue after May. You can, of course, just press delete, or swipe left if you find an email is not for you, or unsubscribe at any time. If you have not already signed up, and would like to continue to receive DofE offer emails, you can do this at: DofE.org/preferences.

Siobhan CroninCommercial Manager

35



MANAGER TRAININGI

n the last few years we have seen a huge growth in the number of licences being held directly by schools and other organisations – Directly

Licensed Centres (DLCs).

We now have over 10,800 centres that are providing DofE programmes to young people, which is a massive success story.

The DofE itself has also grown in the same period to support each of these centres. Every Licensed Organisation (LO) now has a dedicated Operations Officer or Operations Manager allocated to them by the DofE whose job is to advise and encourage our volunteers.

With the increase of organisations that hold a licence of their own we have also seen the number of volunteers who have the role of DofE Manager increase. This is a very different role to that of a Leader or the expedition-based roles of Assessor or Supervisor.

The Manager has a pivotal role within the delivery of the DofE as they are key to ensuring that participants enjoy an exciting programme of activity. They will also make sure that there are enough volunteers to guide participants and that parents/carers and guardians are kept informed about their child’s progress.

Up until now, however, we haven’t offered specific national training for

DofE Managers... but that’s aboutto change.

New training on the wayWe are introducing a suite of training courses and an e-learning module that will help Managers to understand the role. It will also help them to develop their skills and talents so that they can be better equipped for the job that they do.

We will be introducing a half-day induction session to sit alongside a half-day general introduction course. This will cover the requirements of the Manager role.

This course provides an explanation of key tasks within the DofE Manager role and will include topics such as:• Delivering high quality DofE

programmes.• Attracting and engaging with

participants.• Special educational needs and

physical limitations.• Funding.• Key techniques for managing

difficult situations.• How to use eDofE.

Once the induction has been completed we are offering a further course for Managers where you can develop you own skills and management style.

We will have a 45-minute e-learning module which will help you understand how you react to people and situations, plus identify

and understand your own management style.

We will have two three-hour courses. One is focused on management and leadership and will cover effective management, managing change, management and leadership styles, plus the role of the DofE Manager.

The second course will help you improve your communication with participants, parents/carers/guardians and other stakeholders. You’ll learn about different styles of communications, how these can influence and persuade your audience and how to listen to others.

We will be delivering this new training via the DofE Regional and Country Offices and your Operations Officers/Managers will be able to give you more information about the ones that are available near to your LO. Ia

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Documents

Magazine Issue 30: SUMMER 2018 THE MAGAZINE FOR DofE …€¦ · DofE Magazine Issue 30: SUMMER 2018 5 Features 6 Something to shout about Eight great ideas to help you promote your