March Mail Out Madness

Welcome to this month's edition of the DofE London Mail Out! Spring may have technically arrived but we all know that the winter chill won't be gone for a while, so here are a few chestnuts to keep you toasty until the days warm up...

Expedition Assessor Requests in London 'Elp in Epping Forest A Bronze group from Petchey Academy still require an Assessor for the weekend of 18th - 19th April for an expedition in the Epping Forest area. If anyone can support them, please contact Billy Swick at billy.swick@petcheyacademy.org.uk. Moss Definitely Mossbourne Community Academy is seeking an Assessor to accompany their Bronze qualifying expedition on 3rd - 4th July in the Guilford area. Please contact Sarah Barron at sbarron@mca.mossbourne.org for further information. Additionally, Sarah requires a Bronze or Silver expedition to complete her own supported assessment. If you can help, please do not hesitate to contact her. The Normanhurst Conquest A group of participants from Normanhurst School need an Assessor for their Bronze expedition in Cheshunt, Young Mariners Base. If you are available either 13th -14th June or 4th - 5th July please contact Sinem Kazim on skazim@normanhurstschool.co.uk Walthamstow Wanderers A cohort of Bronze participants from Walthamstow School for Girls require an Assessor for their expedition in the Wendover area on the 6th & 7th June. If you are willing and able to assist please contact James Mace on jmace@wsfg.waltham.sch.uk Mertons of Fun Merton DofE is considering investing in tracking devices for their Gold expeditions. If anyone has experience of these and can give some feedback about their efficiency, ease of use and costs, please email Carol Curtis at carol.curtis@merton.gov.uk.

Additional Needs Updates Additional Needs Annual Report In April we will be producing our first DofE London Additional Needs Annual Report, showcasing all of the fantastic work that is going on across London with young people who have additional needs. Additional Needs Network Meeting The next Additional Needs Network Meeting – focusing on the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections - will be on Thursday 23rd April 2015, 5:00-6:45pm at Victoria Charity Centre. Find minutes of previous meetings here. If you would like to attend the above meeting or have something to share in the Annual Report you can find more information here or by emailing Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org.           Open expeditions - don't miss a trip! The London Region will again be running a selection of open expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants from London. These expeditions are aimed at participants who may have missed a locally run trip or were not able to take part last year. More detailed information (including prices, dates and locations) can be found on our website: Bronze, Silver & Gold. Please note, participants will need to visit the London Office for a briefing and complete route planning for the qualifying expedition. Places are allocated on a first to book basis. For further information (excluding Gold training & practice) please emailLeanne.Chapman@DofE.org or call 020 7630 9092.

DofE committee member passes away We were sorry to learn that Ron Webb, an active member of the Newham DofE committee, passed away on 19th January 2015. He received an award in April 2010 for 30 years’ service to Newham. He also attended St James’s Palace in November 2011 as a guest of the London Region and was presented a certificate of support of his achievements by the Duke of Edinburgh. Peter Fleet, Director of the London Region, said: "The DofE truly appreciates the service and dedication of long-serving committee members like Mr. Webb. The contribution of dedicated volunteers such as Mr. Webb has made an enormous positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young Londoners. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

Diane plants her flag in Snowdonia The Snowdonia Expedition Network would like to welcome Diane Lee as the main lead in the management of the organisation. Diane was key to the running of the service in 2014 and we’re certain she’ll continue her excellent work throughout the upcoming expedition season and beyond. She can be reached at Snowdonia@DofE.org.           Participation Place fee changes A reminder that Participation Place fees will be rising slightly from 1st April. The price of each tier is to increase by £1, making the fees for 2015/2016 as follows: Bronze: £17                          Silver: £17                              Gold: £24 'Train the Trainer' course dates set Calling all potential course tutors and trainers! We're offering a rare opportunity to attend a 'Train the Trainer' course at the London Regional Office in Victoria. There are two courses available: ITTDofE (16th April)ESTC/EAAS (21st April) More information can be foundon our website.            Incidentally, in case you'd forgotten... A friendly reminder that all DofE centres and Licensed Organisations are required to adhere to the DofE’s Incident, accident and near-miss notification procedures as outlined in our policy. In most cases, routine notification of an incident will be by submission of an Incident Report Form to the Regional Office. These can be found online at: www.DofE.org/go/emergencies In the event that you have an emergency whilst undertaking DofE activities, you should always notify your Licensed Organisation and the DofE Head Office.

And that's it for this month! Have anything you'd like to share with the rest of London? Send your items along to Mark.Allen@DofE.org before the end of March and the Mail Out Monks will endeavour to include it in the next edition. Goodbye for now from DofE London!

New Year, New Opportunities, New Mail Out!

Happy New Year from the DofE London team, and welcome to our January Mail Out! Here you will find all the latest information, updates and opportunities from the London Region. If you have any future items for the London Mail Out, please send them to Mark.Allen@DofE.org.

The DofE LifeZone has launched!

The LifeZone is the DofE’s new careers inspiration site, designed exclusively for participants and Award holders to support them with great advice on how to use and communicate the skills they have gained from their DofE to get ahead.

It also includes unique employment guidance from top companies including Amey, British Gas, DFS and Halfords, who actively look for DofE Award holders as part of their recruitment processes.

There is plenty of information on volunteering, apprenticeships, further education and applying for jobs.For more information visit www.DofELifeZone.info

Additional Needs network meeting

The next Additional Needs Network Meeting will be on Wednesday 28^th January 2015, 5pm - 6:45pm at Victoria Charity Centre. Please find more info here. This meeting will have a specific focus on funding. 

The network is for those who have experience in delivering the DofE to young people with additional needs and those who wish to learn more or have an interest. 

If you would like to attend please emailHayley.Hyman@DofE.org.

New Leaders programme

The 2015 New Leaders programme will be getting underway this Saturday 31st January. Young people from the London Boroughs of Brent, Barnet, Ealing, Harrow, Lambeth, Hackney and Westminster will be embarking on a nine-month youth work training programme that also offers them the chance to develop teamwork and leadership skills in a DofE capacity and be our Leaders of the future!

For more information on the programme visit our site or get in touch with Operations Officer Briony at Briony.Streets@DofE.org.

Additional Needs Annual Report

In April 2015 we will be producing our first DofE London Additional Needs Annual Report, showcasing all of the fantastic work that is going on across London with young people who have additional needs. Please start sending through your stories and case studies to be included.

Operations Officer Hayley would be happy to come down and see you to find out more about the work that you are doing and write up a story to be included.  Please get in touch with Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org if you have something to share.

Bronze DofE opportunity for LGBTQ young Londoners

The London office is running a free six-month programme from February - July 2015 for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning young Londoners to come together and achieve their Bronze DofE Awards.

Participants will engage with an older LGBT mentor to decide on their Skills or Physical section activities and meet up as a group and create a group campaign to address an issue that affects young LGBTQ Londoners.

There will be two overnight expeditions: the first during the Easter holidays in April and the second at the beginning of the summer holidays in July.

For more information or if you think you might know anyone who would be interested please watch and share our promotional video and website (www.DofE-lgbt.org/) or email Maryah.Mufti@DofE.org

Expedition requests in London

Gallivanting in Guildford

Mossbourne Community Academy is seeking an Assessor to accompany their Bronze qualifying requests on July 3^rd and 4^th in the Guilford area. Please contact Sarah Barron at sbarron@mca.mossbourne.org for further information.

Additionally, Sarah requires a Bronze or Silver expedition to complete her own supported assessment. If you can help, please do not hesitate to contact her.

Horsing around in Islington

A Gold level participant at St Mary Magdalene Academy is interested in taking part in a horseback expedition. If you are planning such a venture and would welcome taking on another participant, please email Jack.Kirby@DofE.org.

'Elp needed in Epping Forest

A group of participants from Buxton School require an Assessor for their Bronze expedition in Epping Forest. If you are available on the14th - 15th July then please contact mahfuza.patel@buxtonschool.waltham.sch.uk

Training courses run by Richmond and Kingston

Countryside Leader Award (CLA) Training & DofE Expedition Supervisor

The CLA and DofE Expedition Supervisor will train staff in the knowledge required to lead DofE expeditions at Bronze and Silver level. Note that this is the training element of the CLA only and that an assessment course should be attended at a later date.

18^th February, 10am to 4pm, Twickenham Training Centre: Introduction day & DofE Expedition Supervisor 23-25 February: Broadstone Warren, Ashdown Forest (Transport provided): Expedition leadership course and two day, two night lightweight camping expedition.

Please note you must be able to attend all four days. More information at www.countrysideleaderaward.org. 

Internal (Richmond / Kingston): £120 per person + £35 registration. External: £200 + £35 registration.

Countryside Leader Award (CLA) Training & DofE Expedition Supervisor

26^th February, 10am to 4pm, Twickenham Training Centre: Introduction day & DofE Expedition Supervisor 27^th February – 1 March: Broadstone Warren, Ashdown Forest (Transport provided): Expedition leadership course and two day, two night lightweight camping expedition

Please note you must be able to attend all four days. More information at www.countrysideleaderaward.org.

Internal (Richmond / Kingston): £120 per person + £35 registration. External: £200 + £35 registration.

To book onto any of these courses, please email rob.clark@achievingforchildren.org.uk for a booking form.

Auld Lang Syne-up to some training courses at the DofE London Regional Office!

We have the following available training courses. All details are available on our website and all courses take place at the Victoria Charity Centre.

Find out how to apply here. If you would like any more information please contact our course director at Lucy.Mckay@DofE.org

Expedition Assessors Accreditation Scheme

All expedition Assessors who attend the course and complete the Scheme will become nationally accredited with national recognition and transferability for assessing DofE expeditions.

Courses available:

Course Date: 18/03/2015
Course Director: Lucy McKay

Course Date: 21/05/2015
Course Director – Alice Turner

Introduction to the DofE for Leaders

This course is aimed at Leaders or assistant Leaders who are new to the DofE and provides all the necessary knowledge needed to promote programmes, manage a DofE group and support participants in the completion of their programmes.

Courses available:

Course Date: 11/03/2015
Course Director: Lucy McKay

Course Date: 15/04/2015
Course Director – Jack Kirby

Course Date: 23/06/2015 
Course Director - Maryah Mufti

Expedition Supervisor Training Scheme

The Expedition Supervisor training course covers understanding the role of the Expedition Supervisor, Assessor and other adults involved in the delivery of the Expedition section; the process of remote supervision; the importance of emergency procedures; and the duty of care held by the Supervisor.

Courses available:

Course Date: 04/03/2015
Course Director: Lucy McKay

Course Date: 04/06/2015 
Course Director - Alice Turner

DofE films now more accessible than ever!

British Sign Language and subtitles have been added to two of the brilliant films produced by the Scottish Office.  These can be viewed on our site or right here:.

We're working towards making the DofE resources more accessible for participants with additional needs along with their parents and carers, and hope to have much more to share as a result of us successfully securing funding for the next three years from The Foundation and other funders.

Skills opportunities with Regional partners

Wellington Hospital Work Placements

Section: Skills

Level: Silver, Gold

Who is it for: Participants aged 16+

Who can apply: Individual participants

DofE London is offering Gold or Silver DofE participants the opportunity to undertake their Skills section in a prestigious work experience environment at the Wellington Hospital.  Successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of departments within the Wellington Hospital.  If you are considering a career in medicine or healthcare, this is the perfect opportunity to gain real insight whilst completing your DofE programme.  You’ll gain practical skills for employment in communication, time management, initiating action and impact and continuous learning. 

Download Further Information

To apply: Complete the application form and send a short covering letter stating why the opportunity interests you to the London Regional Office.

Volunteering opportunities With Regional partners

Team London

Section: Volunteering (Social Action)

Level: All

Who is it for: School Groups

Who can apply: Teachers or School Leaders

Team London, the Mayor of London’s volunteer programme for schools, aims to inspire young people to engage in social action, both in their school and the local community. 

Youth advocacy charity Free the Children are working with Team London from City Hall to support volunteering & social action in schools. Any schools who wish to register a group to undertake a volunteering, advocacy or social action project will receive free support, mentoring and guidance to achieve their goals. They will also be given the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at a London-wide event.

To apply: If you are a teacher or member of school staff and wish to get your school involved, please sign up using this link.

Team London Volunteering activities can count towards all or part of your DofE programme.

Download further information for Leaders

If you are a young person who has completed their Team London Volunteering placement and would like to know more about how this could be recognised with a DofE Award you can find out more by registering here.

And that's it for this month! Have anything you'd like to share with the rest of London? Send your items along to Mark.Allen@DofE.org before the end of February and the Mail Out Monks will endeavour to include it in the next edition. Goodbye for now from DofE London. We hope you have a great year (and stick to your resolutions)!

Welcome to the long-awaited first mail out of 2014. A new year brings changes and like a seventeen year old boy’s Vauxhall Astra, the DofE London team will be undergoing some modifications. We will be notifying you of changes to the staff team in due course, but for now, future items for the network update should be sent to London@DofE.org. As always, remember to share this email with other participants, Leaders, parents and supporters. Expedition support   Hay! DofE Manager for Tower Hamlets Colin Kirk has participants interested in undertaking an expedition on horseback and would like some advice in planning and running a stable venture. If you have been involved in a horseback expedition and can tell him the mane points then be a good NEIGHbour and email him at colin.kirk@towerhamlets.gov.uk. The Campion School are looking for an Expedition Assessor for a Silver DofE group (14 in number) canoeing/camping down the River Thames. The dates are 4th-6th July. Please contact Paul Nye pnye@thecampionschool.org for more information and if you are able to assist. Attention Assessors!   Make sure that all those Assessors supporting your expeditions this season are on ‘top form’.  Assessors need to complete a registration to be approved and verified by each Licensed Organisation they are assessing for. Want to find out more? Click here!   Residential Opportunity   Trewern Outdoor Centre are offering Gold residentials in April and July. Click the links for full details!  Job Vacancy Redbridge Youth Service is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Accreditation Worker. Click here for full details, a job description and to find out how to apply.   Training   Don’t forget, you can find out about all our available training courses for Leaders here, including upcoming dates for training and assessment for our popular Countryside Leader's Award.  Cotswold Equipment Got a broken Trangia or two? Lost another compass? You can stock up on group kit at Cotswold Outdoor with a personal service to match bespoke bulk buy prices. As a recommended retailer of expedition kit, the team at Cotswold Outdoor know how important your kit is to you and your group. That’s why they offer bulk buy options with a personal service and bespoke pricing to help your kit and your group go further.   For more information contact Charles Perrett at charles.perrett@cotswoldoutdoor.com or the teams at any of the London stores to discuss your group’s needs. Find your local shop here.  Kit Store   The latest version of our Expedition Kit Guide for participants and parents can be read online here.   and finally... We’ll leave you with this great* Gold expedition video. *those who do not like ELO may not consider this video great.     Until next time!   

Simply havin’ a wonderful mail out time

It's mail out time, there's no need to be afraid, at mail out time, we let in light and we banish shade. But in our world of plenty, we should spread a smile of joy. Throw your arms around the world at mail out time! Email items for future inclusion to Jack.Kirby@DofE.org. 

Job vacancy

Due to staff changes in the London team, we are looking for a replacement Operations Officer to join our team. 
The Operations Officer’s role is to support Licensed Organisations across the London Region and to support projects and initiatives with the goal of extending access to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.


The post holder will report to the Regional Operations Manager and will be responsible for recruiting new Licensed Organisations and supporting contracted work on behalf of London local authorities and directly supporting the DofE programmes in schools, youth services and wider provision for young people.

To find out more information and to apply, please click here. The closing date for all applications is: Wednesday 18th December 2013 at 12 noon. First interviews will take place on Tuesday 7th January 2014 and second interviews will take place on the morning of Wednesday 8th January 2014 in London.

You can also keep an eye on other DofE jobs here. 

We would like to thank our departing Operations Officer Jacquie Harcus for her work during her time with us. 

A message from East Grinstead

We have been contacted by a resident of Luxfords Lane, Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead, RH19 4HL (grid ref. TQ 405361). This is midway between the campsites at Broadstone Warren and Blacklands Farm, which are both very popular with DofE expedition groups. The resident is very supportive of both the ethos and practice of DofE expeditions and is even relatively happy for participants to (loudly) walk past his house. However, they object to DofE Leaders who drive down Luxfords Lane, ignoring the signs indicating that vehicular access is private and then park inconsiderately, for instance, in passing places. To maintain good relations with the local residents, please abide by the road signs on Luxfords Lane.

Training

A full brochure of our upcoming training opportunities is available here. You can also check out our courses and find out how to book onto one here. 

Countryside Leader Award

The Countryside Leader Award (CLA) is for adults who wish to lead walks and camping expeditions in non-remote, lowland countryside. This corresponds with the recommended DofE Bronze and Silver expedition terrain. The award is designed for people who already have considerable experience working with young people.
The training is 3 days and a candidate only needs to attend one of the 3 day training sessions. After training, candidates need to undertake a consolidation period, complete 3 lightweight expeditions and then present for a 3 day assessment.
To attend a CLA training, candidates need to meet the following criteria:

• Be registered with CLA
• Be a qualified teacher or hold a level 3 diploma in youth work or have at least 10 days and 5 nights experience of leading or assisting with the leadership of walking and camping groups
• Candidates must also have prior personal experience of camping (5 nights) and walking in the countryside and navigating on clear paths (5 days) and able to navigate at National Navigation Award Scheme bronze level
• A current first aid certificate, delivered by an HSE approved provider, min. 16 hours, specifically related to outdoor leadership
• Be 18 years old or older
• Have own appropriate equipment

Please check that the CLA is recognised by your licensed organisation or whoever approves the delivery of expeditions.
To book or for more information about the CLA, please contact London@DofE.org. 
Training Dates:

• 31/1/14 – 2/2/14 (£175)
• 21/3/14 – 23/3/14 (£175)                      

Assessment Dates:

• 25/4/14 – 27/4/14
• 16/5/14 – 18/5/14                 

Venue: To be confirmed but likely to be in the Essex area
For details of the Bronze NNAS click here. 
For further info on the CLA click here.

Introduction to the DofE train the trainer – standardisation

As part of our continued commitment to quality, we are facilitating a standardisation session for pre-existing approved Course Director and Tutors for the ITT DofE element of the Modular Training Framework.
This course provides existing trainers with the opportunity to explore training delivery methods, style and content and to facilitate high quality training provision.  All existing Course Directors and Tutors will be required to attend this fully-subsidised standardisation day to continue offering courses within their Licensed Organisation.  

Date – Tuesday 28^th January
Venue – London Region Office

Further details will follow in due course.  If you would like further information please email Jo.Amand@DofE.org

Residential opportunities

Our friends in the DofE Scotland office are looking for Gold Award holders who want to continue to support DofE expeditions to attend a residential that will provide them with training opportunities.
The DofE in Scotland, in partnership with Glenmore Lodge, will be hosting a uniquie Expedition Leader course to celebrate the Commonwealth Games. Six young leaders from each of the home nations will be participating in the course from the 6th to 11th April 2014. If you or a Gold Award holder you know would be interested, click here to find out more. 

In addition, Trewern Outdoor Centre in Herefordshire have residential opportunities coming up for Gold participants in April and July. Activities on the residentials include chances to go canoeing on the River Wye, rock climbing, caving, mountain walking, gorge walking and archery. For more information and to book a place, see the links below.

April Residential
July Residential

Ask not what you can do for your mail out, but what your mail out can do for you

Do you struggle to identify Assessors for expeditions? Can a participant not make a scheduled date of an expedition and needs to join another group? Do you want advice from the London network? Are you recruiting new members of staff or seeking volunteers? If so, then let the Mail Out Assembly Team know and we will inform the network. Email Jack.Kirby@DofE.org with your contribution. 

DofE Manager contact details

Please will all DofE Manager ensure that their contact details including postal addresses are up to date on eDofE as from 1^st February we will be implementing a new contact management system..

And finally...

We'd like to extend season's greetings to all of our readers and wish you an enjoyable festive period. 


The mail out will return in 2014 

Halloween Mail Out

Curse of the Haunted Mail Out!
Welcome to this spooktacular, Halloween edition of your favourite DofE network update. We’ve so much interesting DofE information, it’s frightening! If you’re in a spooky mood, check out this Halloween flashmob video from our residential last year. Want to submit any items for inclusion in the next (non-spooky) mail out? Email Jack.Kirby@DofE.org. Bwahahahaha!

Eerie employment opportunity

Tower Hamlets are advertising for an Outdoor Education Manager. See here for full details or contact DofE Manager Colin Kirk on 0207 364 3177, 0207 364 0925 or at colin.kirk@towerhamlets.gov.uk for further information.

Chilling conference reminder

DofE Managers, remember the regional conference is on 10th December. Need more info? Contact your Operations Officer.

Terrifying training

Introduction to the DofE for Leaders provides staff with the information needed to be a successful DofE Leader or Coordinator and run DofE programmes within a centre. Friday 29th November 2013, 10am to 4pm, Twickenham Training Centre, £50. Contact Rob Clark: Robert.Clark@Richmond.gov.uk to book a place.

Click here to download our the programme of training delivered by the London Region over the next academic year.

Macabre marketplace

Being a DofE Leader or participant entitles you to a whole bunch of deals and offers from a number of our commercial partners, including HP computers, 3 mobile network and Halfords for bikes and cars. The offers are worth checking out and taking them up benefits the DofE too. Click here for the full range of offers.

Eek! Expedition advice

Highgate School are interested in finding out different ways of managing large groups of young people on expeditions (60+ young people on one trip). If you work with large numbers or know of other groups that do Highgate School (and us!) would love to know the different methods that are used. One example we have heard is splitting a Bronze expedition into 3 days, with half the groups starting on Friday, finishing Saturday with the second half starting on Saturday morning and finishing Sunday. Please send your examples to helen.gardiner@highgateschool.org.uk.

Furthermore:

Although the expedition season is pretty much over, please be aware that DofE groups should not be walking along the brideway at SP892 057 - SP886056 near Kings Ash Farm, Chesham Lane, Great Missenden Buckinghamshire. There is a need to contain a bacterial infection that affects some of the horses in the area and Kings Ash Farm are trying to prevent their horses from becoming infected. Please can all groups avoid this area for the next 8 weeks. The infection is not transferable to humans. This is not a Halloween joke!

Aaaargh! Award nominations

Do you have a young person that’s doing great voluntary work in their community? Or a Leader that’s going above and beyond? If so, then why not nominate them for a vInspired Award. See here for details.

Scary social media

For up to the minute updates, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages and stay tuned for a new competition. Are you on LinkedIn? If so, check out the Friends of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group.

Blood-curdling branding tips

Looking to write about the DofE and want to make sure you’re using the correct terminology? Check out this useful list of common errors.

Creepy camping exemption certificate

After various suggestions from the DofE Network and Regional Offices, the DofE has requested and has been granted (by Natural England) a 5 year Camping Exemption Certificate for England (which will expire on the 16th October 2018). A Camping Exemption Certificate allows a recreational organisation to camp on land without a site licence or the need to apply for planning permission and should allow a number of ‘greenfield’ sites to offer camping to more DofE participants than before.

In legislative terms it means that:

“Under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936 (“the 1936 Act”) the use of land as a campsite for more than 42 days consecutively or 60 days in total in any 12 consecutive months requires a site licence from the local authority. In addition, the use of land for tented camping for more than 28 days a year normally requires an express grant of planning permission. However members of recreational organisations which hold a camping exemption certificate issued under section 269 (6) of the 1936 Act can camp on land without a site licence and without the need to apply for planning permission.”

In practice however it means that holding the exemption certificate permits;

• The use of any land owned by the exempted organisation (or provided or used by them) to be used for tented camping without the need for a site licence from the local authority
• DofE participants (and adults) to put up tents on any site with the permission of the owner
• DofE participants (and adults) to use land for the purpose of recreation or instruction, and to erect or place tents on the land for those purposes.

For more information, email London@DofE.org.

And finally... frightening fundraising party

In spring 2014, we’ll be returning to the high seas to hold another fundraising boat party on the Thames. Stay tuned for more details in future updates!


Arrivederci!