Cymraeg Shop FAQs Contact Us Donate now Home Doing your DofE Leaders Parents Shop Support us About us Press eDofE sign in You are here: HomeAbout usOur impact Our work Our impact Employability Alumni Success stories Our volunteers Celebrity support Looking forward Annual Review Patron Trustees Executive team Partners Digital life: eDofE Affiliations History Jobs International Our impact What young people say... We are pleased to present our research into the experiences, perceptions and aspirations of young people, Seen and Heard. To download the full report and executive summary please see this page. Independent Impact Research In 2007, supported by Pears Foundation, we commissioned The University of Northampton to carry out a groundbreaking study into the value of the DofE. The Impact Research showed that the DofE continues to offer successful personal development programmes for young people. It showed that young people do their DofE to have fun, and that support from Leaders and friends keeps them engaged. Key findings: 90% of young people said doing their DofE has given them opportunities to help others. 82% noted their DofE has made them want to continue with volunteering/voluntary activities. 62% feel that doing their DofE has helped them make a positive difference to their local community. 74% of young people said they developed self-esteem. 64% feel that as a result of DofE they are better at sport or physical activity. 74% of young people said it allowed them to try activities they would never have tried before. 71% of young people identified improved self-belief. Three quarters of young people think their DofE Leaders are inspirational. Making a differerence with young people in custody The DoFE commissioned an appraisal of the impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the DofE) in the secure estate, carried out by a team of researchers from Glyndwr and Cardiff Universities. The study, commissioned by the DofE, set out to examine delivery and organisation of the DofE in the secure estate and explore implications for young offenders and staff providing DofE programmes. The DofE would like to thank Dr Chai Patel’s family charitable foundation, Bright Future Trust, for the generous support of this research project. Key findings: Findings from the study suggest that doing their DofE has a positive impact upon the experiences of young people in the secure estate, and may improve their chances for a brighter future and increase their resilience and resistance towards re-offending. The CRIME-PICS ll analysis indicated that after engaging in DofE activities young people in this study demonstrated a more positive attitude in relation to: - offending in general - higher levels of victim empathy - less perceived reward for crime - reduced anticipation of re-offending - perceived fewer life problems in future. The findings also suggest that their DofE fostered realisation of an alternative and attainable way of life other than crime, among young people in the secure estate. United Learning Trust research It’s hardly surprising then that Award holders are highly valued by both employers and educational establishments, as was proven in further independent research by the United Learning Trust. But it’s not just the individual that benefits. The value of DofE participants’ voluntary work is worth over £19.3million to local communities across the UK each year. What’s more, 61% of Gold Award holders continue with volunteering work after they have completed their programmes. Download more detailed summaries of the Impact Research, Making a difference with young people in custody and ULT research using the links on the right hand side. Read an interesting article in the Times Educational Supplement (Jan 2012) about the value of non-paper-based awards, such as the DofE. Executive Summary Download a copy of the independent Impact Research Executive Summary. Stakeholders Download a copy of the independent Impact Research Summary for Stakeholders. Leaders Download a copy of the independent Impact Research Summary for Leaders. Young offenders The Executive Summary of the DofE making a difference with young people in custody. ULT research Download a summary of the independent ULT research showing the DofE's value to employers. Support our work As a Charity we rely on donations to support our work. Find out how you can help us. Accessibility Privacy Sitemap © The Duke of Edinburgh's Award 2014 Print page content