Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme

A gateway to an exciting world of exploration & self-discovery for our children

Here at Nexus Fostering, we believe all young people deserve the chance to take part in ‘The Duke of Edinburgh's Award’, a program to develop the skills and capabilities to thrive- whatever the future holds. We are proud to run The Duke of Edinburgh's Award for our young people, meaning they can make a difference in their communities through DofE. We tailor the program to fit our children and have the training to support each of their induvial needs. Plus we fund birth children and looked after children throughout the program. 

What is The DofE Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh Award allows young people to participate in a life-changing program, a fun time with friends, and an opportunity to discover new interests and talents. Any young person can do DofE regardless of ability, gender, background, or location. DofE gives young people a tool to gain and develop skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication, and drive, enhancing CV and university and job applications. The award is a recognized mark of achievement, respected by employees. 

View employers which recognize the work-ready skills award holders bring to their business.

The DofE program consists of three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver & Gold. Within each award, there are various sections to complete, including helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition, and working with a team on a residential activity for Gold only. 

Supporting our Young People

Ryan our Head of Participation at Nexus Fostering is committed to getting our young people into the award scheme due to understanding the great benefits of DofE. We support and encourage looked after and birth children to take part in DofE; by help with funding, organizing voluntary work, and planning to carry out the expedition. All children can undertake DofE at their own pace with no time frame on completing the awards. 

Ryan explained ‘The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program is more than just a mere pursuit; it's a gateway to an exciting world of exploration and self-discovery for our children. This program ignites their passion for adventure and inspires them to push their limits in physical challenges and develop their character and leadership skills. By participating in the DofE, our children can look forward to achieving their goals, expanding their horizons, and acquiring a sense of fulfillment and pride that will stay with them for life. The DofE is not just a program; it's an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-growth and personal transformation, and we can't wait to see our children thrive and succeed in this remarkable endeavor’

To complete the awards young children must undertake voluntary work, this could be volunteering in their local community. One of our looked-after children secured a 4-week football trial at Norwich City Football Club as part of the awards skill element and is giving back to his community by volunteering at the club and coaching the young children. Another looked-after children at Nexus Fostering has taken part in dance and golf, and one young person is learning to code. We support each child to complete each section of the awards by providing the equipment and materials needed for the award's physical/skill and volunteering elements.

Many of our young people attend the Nexus Fostering Youth Council as part of their volunteering element of the award. They meet every 2 weeks on a Wednesday virtually from around the UK to discuss how they think various aspects of what we do can be improved/changed to overall improve their care. Every week we discuss a different topic from care language to online safety. 

Many of our young people tell us that doing their DofE gives them character traits like confidence and resilience, that can boost their mental health and wellbeing and help them face and overcome personal challenges.

If you would like more information on our DofE scheme at Nexus Fostering- call or pop into your local office.