Booking now open for DofE London's Diamond Conference!

Welcome to DofE London's latest mail out! Read on for booking information on our Diamond Conference and more...

Booking now open for DofE London's Diamond Anniversary Conference The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year. To celebrate this important milestone, we are hosting a special Diamond Anniversary Conference for all of our DofE Managers, Co-ordinators, Leaders and volunteers in London. The conference will be a day event held at Kings College London on Thursday 23rd June 2016 and will include a number of training workshops and presentations covering a selection of the following topics:  Aligning the new Ofsted Inspection Framework to DofE Safeguarding Volunteer management The National Curriculum and DofE Extending a Gold Award offer to students and young people Fundraising Expedition & residential opportunities Running DofE on a budget Engaging young people who are disadvantaged (DofE and early intervention, additional needs, youth justice and other inclusion-based work) There will also be guest speakers, an exhibition area, a prize draw and a Special Recognition Awards ceremony followed by a drinks reception. There will be a £10.00 booking fee for all delegates which covers the cost of lunch on the day, delegate packs and administration. To book a place please complete the booking form here. We would be delighted if you could all join us for this event and celebrate the Diamond Anniversary with the DofE London Regional team. Please note: places at this event are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Gold DofE Programme Training Interested in delivering Gold Award level DofE programmes to your school or youth centre? We have a workshop where you can learn how to successfully deliver Gold Award programmes within your school. To join this course, you need to have attend the Introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award course or have good knowledge of the DofE. Course Date: Tuesday 8th June 2016 between 1.00-5.00pm.Course Fee: FREE (£50 cancellation fee) For more information and a booking form visit our training page or contact London@DofE.org       Footpath Closures in Kent The National Grid will be closing a number of footpaths in Kent for maintenance over the course of 2016, which may affect any expeditions being planned in the region. Each footpath affected will be closed twice: The first closure will take place in April/May and the second between August and October. Each closure is expected to last no longer than two and a half weeks and will be clearly signposted to minimise confusion and ensure people's safety. For further information about the dates and locations of these closures, please see this leaflet from the National Grid.

Accredited Assessors Wanted  It isn’t possible to complete an expedition without an Assessor; here are a few organisations that need your help. Riverside Secondary School are seeking a Bronze Assessor for the weekend of May 21st-22nd in Epping Forest. Please contact Tom Blandford at thbl@riversidecampus.onmicrosoft.com if you are able to offer your support. Highbury Grove School are looking for a Bronze Assessor for the 2nd-3rd July in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Please contact Serina Bingham at sbingham@highburygrove.islington.sch.uk for more information. Elm Green School are looking for a Bronze and Silver Assessor for the 15th-17th July. Ideally the Assessor will complete a supported assessment on the weekend and must have been accredited for at least two years. If you are able to assist please contact Kevin Welsh at kwelsh@the-elmgreen-school.org.uk.

New: Expedition Supervisors Training Orientation Course DofE London is offering a new course geared towards enabling individuals to deliver future ESTC courses.  The new ESTC Orientation course will allow those wishing to deliver ESTC courses to become familiar with course resources, processes and other support materials. Date: 11/05/2016Venue: Victoria Charity Centre, LondonCourse Fee: £60           For more information and to book a place please visit our website or email London@DofE.org.        s s     Open Expeditions: 2016 dates The London Region will again be running a selection of open expeditions for Bronze 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 and these downloads: Bronze & 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 please email Leanne.Chapman@DofE.org or call 020 7630 9092.

Anything for next month? Do you struggle to find Assessors for expeditions? Want advice from the London network? Are you recruiting new members of staff or seeking volunteers? If so, then let us know and we will inform the network. Email Mark.Allen@DofE.org with your contribution before Friday 1st April.

The first mail out of 2016!

Welcome to DofE London's first mail out of the year! Read on for volunteering opportunities at St. James's Palace, savings on outdoor expo tickets and more...

Price changes to Welcome Packs Please note that the price of a Welcome Pack, which includes a DofE Participation Place, will increase from 1 April 2016, bringing the cost to £19 for Bronze, £19 for Silver and £26 for Gold. If your school, club etc. charges more than this, you must tell participants that you are levying an additional charge and explain what it is for. This increase reflects the change in support within many councils which has meant our Charity faces an increase of £1m in its annual running costs in delivering DofE programmes. The rise goes some way to addressing the shortfall. For the same reasons, the cost of Expedition Assessment Vouchers will also increase to £55 for Bronze, £75 for Silver and £100 for Gold.

DofE London training courses Delivering Gold DofE programmes This half-day workshop will train Leaders in how to deliver successful Gold DofE programmes.  Course fee: FREE (£50 cancellation fee) 12th February 2016 (G3) - 1pm to 5pm Countryside Leader Award The CLA is for adults who wish to lead walks & expeditions in non-remote lowland countryside. Course fee: £105 + £35 registration (£45 for assessment) Training: 3rd-6th March 2016 (T99) Assessment: 15-17 April 2016 (A66) For more information and booking forms visit our training page or contact London@DofE.org Additional Needs Network update The next Additional Needs Network Meeting will be held on Thursday 11th February 2016, 5-6.45 at the London Regional Office in the Victoria Charity Centre. This meeting will have a focus on the Volunteering section, with a presentation from Free the Children about the WE Schools programme, an initiative that promotes social action and campaigning for young people. You can find more information in our flyer here. Contact Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org to book a place.

Upcoming external training courses The following courses are now available in the first half of 2016: Lowland Leader Training Course 27/28 Feb 2016 (Hertfordshire/Essex) £125pp Outdoor/Activity First Aid 5th-6th March 2016 (Broxbourne) £100pp  Countryside Leaders Award Training Course7th/8th May 2016 (Hertfordshire/Essex) £175pp Countryside Leaders Award Assessment Course 27th/28th/29th May 2016 (Chiltern Hills) £165pp Open Bronze DofE Expeditions Various Dates £120 per person For more information and to book a course please contact Colin.Kirk2@outlook.com

Open Expeditions: 2016 dates The London Region will again be running a selection of open expeditions for Bronze 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 and these downloads: Bronze & 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 please email Leanne.Chapman@DofE.org or call 020 7630 9092.  Special offer on Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show tickets The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show is the UK’s largest outdoor and adventure show, taking place from February 11-14 at ExCeL London. This year’s show will be bringing a vast array of interactive attractions, special guests including Levison Wood, Mark Beaumont and Tim Jarvis, and the latest gear from leading outdoor brands to appeal to explorers of all ages.  We are pleased to be able to offer Family Weekend Tickets to our network at a reduced rate of £30 (Retail Price £40). Simply enter  code DOFE at the checkout.  Tickets will also provide entry into The London Bike Show and Triathlon Show.

Volunteers needed for palace presentations Gold Award Presentations are the DofE’s flagship events which celebrate the success of the nearly 10,000 young people who achieve their Gold Award each year. The DofE runs 10-12 GAPs every year at St. James’s Palace in London, and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with running them. If you are interested in volunteering at a future Gold Award Presentation you can find more information here or by emailing GAP@DofE.org DofE Managers: please forward this information to your network and anyone else who may be interested. Anything for next month? Do you struggle to find Assessors for expeditions? Want advice from the London network? Are you recruiting new members of staff or seeking volunteers? If so, then let us know and we will inform the network. Email Mark.Allen@DofE.org with your contribution before Friday 19th February.

Christmas 2015 Mail Out

Welcome to DofE London's Christmas mail out! In our final 2015 update you will find all the latest information, updates and opportunities from the London Region.

Message from the Director 2015 has been an amazing year: there have been greater levels of participation amongst young Londoners and more schools and groups coming on board to deliver DofE to students and young people. These advancements and associated work are only possible because of the support and dedication of teachers, youth workers and volunteers working tirelessly across the capital. Thank you! It only remains for me to extend season's greetings and a well-earned rest to you and yours. Wishing you every happiness and success in 2016! Peter Fleet Director, London Region

Volunteering AAPs The Volunteering Opportunities guide has been updated for December, including opportunities in London and other regions. The PDF can be downloaded at any time from the Volunteering section page on the DofE website. As ever, any thoughts or feedback are welcome.         Additional needs network update The next Additional Needs Network Meeting will be held on Thursday 11th February 2016, 5-6.45 at the London Regional Office in the Victoria Charity Centre. Contact Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org for more information and to book a place.

Operations Officer Vacancy DofE London are looking for a new Operations Officer to join the team based in our Victoria office. For more information on the role and how to apply please visit our jobs page at www.dofe.org/jobs. You will be asked to upload your CV along with a detailed statement that outlines your suitability for the position.  The deadline for applications is Friday 15thJanuary 2016 at 12 noon. First interviews will take place on Wednesday 20th January 2016 and second interviews, if required, will take place on Friday 22nd January in London. If you know anyone who might be suitable for the role, please share this with them. Thank you and good luck!

Colne Valley Volunteering Groundwork South are looking for volunteers to assist in their Unofficial Countryside project. The organisers are looking to recruit volunteers to help capture the oral history of the industrial heritage of the Colne Valley Regional Park, to be used as part of a presentation and website. This would involve speaking with residents about their memories of the Colne Valley area so that a picture of how it has changed over the years can be built. Volunteers must be 16 or older.  If you are or know any participants that might be interested, please contact Fiona Brewer at fiona.brewer@groundwork.org.uk.             The Reward Card is for Christmas, not just expeditions! Christmas is a fantastic time to raise money for the DofE Charity and help even more young people experience the life-changing benefits of doing their DofE. Remember, you and all of the DofE network get 15-20% off purchases from Cotswold Outdoor. So if it’s a ‘must have’ coat for mum, a beanie for your brother, or a fleece for your best friend, don’t forget to use your Reward Card. There are also discounts available on the following: 20% off Virgin Experience DaysUp to 35% off HP productsPersonalised DofE ClothingUp to 20% off at Cotswold Outdoor10% off all Halfords cycling items

Assessor Requests An expedition group requires an assessor for the weekend of 23rd/24th April 2016. If you are available in the London/Essex area on those dates, please contact Charlotte Smith at csm@sydney-r.bardaglea.org.uk for further information. Anything for next month? Do you struggle to find Assessors for expeditions? Want advice from the London network? Are you recruiting new members of staff or seeking volunteers? If so, then let us know and we will inform the network. Email Mark.Allen@DofE.org with your contribution.

DofE London Mail Out - December 2015

We hope you're brewing plenty of mulled wine and prepping your festive playlists! In this month's update you will find all the latest information, updates and opportunities from the London region.

Assessor's Report FAQs New Assessor Reports uploaded through the DofE website will now appear in the communications tab of eDofE. Many Reports have been uploaded for participants across London; please go through and action any which you have outstanding. If they are historical, and the Award has since been removed, this alert can be deleted to remove it from your action list. These Reports are automatically marked as the Assessor Report; however, to sign off the whole section you will need to visit the participant's profile separately. Lapsed/inactive accounts You no longer have to change the status of an account when they become inactive or lapse. To re-activate the account, the person needs only to sign in using the correct username and password. If they cannot remember their password, please direct them to follow the 'Forgot your password?' link on the log in screen. Cannot approve an Award If you have an Award which you feel has met all the criteria but the approval button is still greyed out, simply hover your curser over the greyed out button and a message will appear describing what is left to complete. This is most common at Gold level when a young person has not completed their Gold notification form.  Assessor requests Southside Young Leaders Academy, a South London charity that specialise in promoting opportunities and achievements for African and Caribbean boys at risk of social & academic exclusion, are looking for an additional Leader to support a small Bronze expedition cohort. They have a great volunteer expedition Leader on board already but due to recent staff changes are in need of a new session leader - ideally for Wednesday evenings. There is also scope for this engagement to develop to working with a fresh cohort in the New Year. If you are interested, please get in touch via 020 7701 9055 or info@syla.org.uk. Bronze and Gold open expeditions 2016 We are pleased to be able to share the dates for upcoming open expeditions run by DofE London. Follow the links for more information on our Bronze and Gold ventures here.

Delivering Gold DofE programmes This half-day workshop will train Leaders in how to deliver successful Gold DofE programmes and roll them out in their school/centre. It will cover the specifics of delivering Gold DofE, such as planning, seeking funding, timetabling, using eDofE and the specifics of the Expedition and Residential sections. You should attend an Introduction to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award course OR have good knowledge of DofE programmes prior to the course. Course dates: 12th February 2016 (G3) – 1pm to 5pm. Course fee: FREE (£50 cancellation fee) Please contact London@DofE.org for a booking form. Wales expedition networks From February 1st 2016 the Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales and Snowdonia Expedition Networks will be combined into one central service run from the DofE Wales Office in Brecon. All Expedition Notification Forms (Green Forms) for any expedition going into wild country in Wales should be directed to the new centrally run service in Brecon. The new contact details are as follows: The new email is walesexpeds@DofE.org - any emails to Snowdonia@DofE.org or Breconbeacons@DofE.org will be redirected. The DofE Wales office phone number (01874 623 086) will be the main Wales Network Expedition contact number. Website: www.DofE.info/go/wea/ Wales Expedition Network Coordinator The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Market House Market Approach                                                 Brecon LD3 7DA

Opportunity Finder As part of our ongoing work into addressing the barriers to completion that prevent participants from completing their programme, we are running a trial around the Expedition section. The DofE will be contacting participants who have completed every section of their Bronze or Silver programme, apart from their Expedition section. They will be signposting them to the Opportunity Finder where open expeditions run by AAPs, Assessor Networks and LOs are currently listed. If you know of any open expeditions that are not on the Finder at this time, please contact Abigail Saunders with details in the format below: Organisation Dates If qualifying or mixed practice and qualifying Award Level Location Cost Website Contact details Any additional info

Residential resources Many of you have suggested that a resource that can be used to help participants, parents and Leaders identify residentials that could count for their DofE would be useful. The aim is to encourage better informed choices prior to the residential, rather than participants needing to justify their choices afterwards. The resource, as attached, will also be featured on the DofE resources page. Alec Dickson Trust The Alec Dickson Trust provides grants of up to £500 to individuals or groups of young people aged 30 or under to help them put ‘volunteering ideas into action and run projects that benefit the lives of others – particularly the most marginalised and disadvantaged.’ Participants can apply directly via their website:  www.alecdicksontrust.org.uk/

London Training Updates We now have confirmed dates for training courses in 2016 on our website. These dates and further information on upcoming DofE London courses can be found in pdf form here. To sign up for any of our courses, please contact London@DofE.org. Anything for next month? Do you struggle to find Assessors for expeditions? Want advice from the London network? Are you recruiting new members of staff or seeking volunteers? If so, then let us know and we will inform the network. Email Mark.Allen@DofE.org with your contribution.