Duke of Edinburgh's Award Leader

Key information

What to expect

• Mentoring and supporting young cadets aged 14 to 25 in their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) journey.
• Helping young people access the best opportunities the DofE programme offers, while ensuring they have fun.
• Shaping your role to fit your skills and interests, whether that’s leading expeditions or providing behind-the-scenes support.
• Opportunities to lead expeditions (such as in Snowdonia) with a Mountain Leader qualification, if applicable.
• Offering guidance and support to both cadets and fellow volunteers as part of a wider St John youth team.
• Flexibility to your role, with opportunities to contribute based on your availability and preferences.

Benefits of volunteering

Empower Young People: By volunteering as a DofE Leader, you’ll empower young people to achieve their goals, develop essential life skills, and gain confidence.

Personal Development: Gain leadership and mentoring experience, alongside a variety of practical skills. Whether you lead expeditions or support behind the scenes, you’ll develop valuable abilities that can help in both your personal and professional life.

Flexibility: Design your role to suit your interests and availability. You can lead expeditions, provide logistical support, or focus on specific aspects of the programme, making your experience unique and rewarding.

Make a Positive Impact: Help young people grow and thrive by offering them support, guidance, and opportunities through the DofE programme, making a lasting impact on their lives.

How often will I be volunteering?

Your time commitment is flexible, and you’ll have the opportunity to discuss and agree on a suitable schedule with your line manager. This could involve leading expeditions, providing guidance to cadets, or supporting the DofE programme in a variety of ways, with opportunities to contribute based on your availability.

What you’ll bring to the role

• You’ll be able to inspire, motivate, and support young people, helping them navigate the challenges of the DofE programme.
• Strong verbal communication skills are essential, as you’ll be interacting with cadets, fellow volunteers, and possibly the wider community.
• You’ll need to collaborate effectively with other volunteers, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for young participants.
• Whether you’re leading outdoor activities or providing support behind the scenes, your adaptability will be key in making the programme successful.

What you'll learn

• Gain comprehensive training on how to support young people through their DofE journey, ensuring they succeed while staying safe.
• Learn how to work effectively with young people, understanding their needs and how best to mentor them.
• As part of St John, you’ll receive vital safeguarding training to ensure the safety and well-being of all cadets and volunteers.
• You may also have the opportunity to enhance your outdoor and leadership skills, particularly if you choose to lead expeditions or physical challenges.

How you’ll get started

Application: Complete an online application form to register your interest.

Interview: You’ll be invited for an informal interview where we’ll get to know you better, discuss your skills, and explore how you can contribute to the DofE programme.

Recruitment checks: As part of the recruitment process, we’ll conduct standard checks, including right to volunteer, health assessments, DBS checks, and references.

Get started: After you’ve completed your training, you’ll meet your team and start supporting young cadets, making a real difference in their DofE journey!