The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award helps young people gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs for university and job applications.

Founded in the UK in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the award programme has since expanded to 144 nations.

The DofE Award programmes take between one and four years to complete, and must be completed by the participant's twenty-fifth birthday. There are around 300,000 new participants annually, with an estimated 461,000 current participants in the UK. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

With assistance from adult Leaders, participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
• Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
• Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.

At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home for five days, doing a shared activity. This gives participants the chance to learn how to work with people from different backgrounds and build confidence living in new environments. 

To achieve an award, the participant must work on each section for a minimum period of time, and must be monitored and assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants: Bronze 3–6 months; Silver: 6–9 months; Gold: 12–18 months. Participants are required to show regular activity and commitment to the award for the duration of their DofE programme, which is usually at least one hour per week.

When asked about the ceremony on the day, Chris said that unfortunatley it was held on rather a wet day, so they had to shelter under the marquees much of the time, rather than enjoy Buckingham Palace Gardens, but Chris and his mother did get to chat with Prince Edward for a short while which was a positive. 

We wish to say a big well done to both OTs on their fine achievement.