The Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24 years old. Doing their Award gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills. Young people shape their own Award by choosing activities that are of interest to them and by setting their own goals.

Any young person can do their Award – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. For more information check out sections and activities.

Through the Award programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business. Find out more here.

The Award in Northern Ireland

The Award is available to young people in Northern Ireland from all backgrounds. The Joint Award initiative (JAI) was established in 1999 following the Good Friday Agreement and through the JAI, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Gaisce: The President’s Award work in partnership to offer Award participants in NI a choice of recognition for their achievements.

14-24 year-olds can do the Award programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award and with the JAI, participants in Northern Ireland can choose their choice of certificate: DofE, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award or Gaisce: The President’s Award.

Everyone follows the same programme, but participants choose which certificate is the best fit for them! The vision of the JAI and DofE Charity is to make the Award accessible to all young people in Northern Ireland, regardless of their background and circumstances!

The DofE/JAI licenses organisations that work with young people to run the Award programme, such as schools, colleges, youth groups and clubs. Through the Licensed Organisation (LO), participants enrol and are supported by Leaders who support them through their programmes, helping them to choose their activities, set their objectives and achieve their Award.