Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

The Scheme in Berkshire

Registration for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (D of E) can be made with the Berkshire Scouts D of E Support Team. The D of E Support Team  provides registration, support and advice for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network Members  who wish to work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Normally the first line advice and support is available through  Explorer Scout Leaders and Scout Network Leaders.

Expedition Assessor training

While the Scout Association has recently received an extension to the date by which everyone who assesses expeditions must be fully accredited through the new scheme until the beginning of 2011, this only applies to expeditions for which the Scout Association is the operating authority and even so it doesn't leave much time to complete the required training and be validated by assessing an expedition under supervision.  Scout HQ has now published its initial programme of accredited assessor courses.   For further details Click here

Registration

Explorer Scouts (14 years and above), members of Scout Network and Adult Leaders aged 18-25 may register for the Duke of Edinburgh Award through Berkshire Scouts.

There are three awards (see below for details) and the cost of registration including the award booklet are:

• Bronze £12.50
• Silver £12.50
• Gold £17.50

The registration form can be downloaded here (PDF) or here (Word). Please post the form and the monies to the address provided on the form.

A one off payment for each award covers registration, record book, badge and certificate on completion of the award and all postage costs. The record book will be issued to the person taking part in the Award Scheme and confirmation sent to their Explorer Scout Leader or County Scout Network Leader. Completed books should be returned to the Berkshire Scouts D of E Support Team who will arrange for assessment and issue of badges and certificates.

Information 

Information on the support of the award scheme through Berkshire Scouts may be obtained via this form, telephone  07092 814 037 ( 24 hour answerphone ). The 24 hour answerphone facility  is also available for those without Internet access to obtain registration forms.

Before e-mailing or using the answerphone please be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) list maintained by the Berkshire Scouts D of E Support Team. Click here for FAQs

ScoutBase has some very useful pages of the D of E scheme and its operation with an Explorer Scout Unit or the Scout Network - Click here

D of E merchandise and support material is available direct from the national D of E organisation. Details of merchandise, support material and costs can be found on the D of E website  www.theaward.org

Please note that Award booklets are not available via the National D of E Award Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for the frequently asked questions about the D of E award and the Berkshire Support Team.

The Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available at Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels. Each level involves volunteering, skills, physical recreation and an expedition. In addition the Gold Award involves a residential project.

Bronze award - minimum age on entry - 14, minimum age for completion 14.5.  This requires components such as volunteering which involve at least three months volunteering for example helping with a Beaver Colony or Cub Pack.

Silver award - minimum age on entry - 15, minimum age for completion 16 (15.5 if a Bronze Award Holder).  This requires at least six months volunteering.

Gold award - minimum age on entry - 16, minimum age for completion 17.5 (17 if a Silver Award Holder).  This requires at least twelve months volunteering and a residential project.