7.1b Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions
Need to know:
OEAP National Guidance 7.1b Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions was updated on 18th November 2024. Additional guidance has been added to emphasise that establishments must follow their employers' policies and that if you are using an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) to organise expeditions, it usually is good practice for establishment staff to work with the AAP staff during the expeditions and not hand over full responsibility to the AAP.
Read the full guidance at oeapng.info 7.1b Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions (external link).
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions
Updated 18 November 2024
National Guidance 7.1b Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions outlines guidance for schools and other establishments regarding Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) expeditions. This guidance was updated on 18 November 2024.
Click the button below to view the the full National Guidance document, free to access at oeapng.info.
What has changed?
Additional guidance has been added to emphasise that establishments must follow their employers' policies and that if you are using an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) it is usually good practice for establishment staff to work with AAP staff during the expedition and not to hand over full responsibility to the AAP.
Summary of the guidance:
The DofE aims to develop young people's skills, resilience, and potential through activities like unaccompanied expeditions at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
Expeditions require thorough training, including practice expeditions, to ensure participants can operate independently yet safely.
National Guidance 7.1b Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions emphasises thorough preparation, staff competence, and collaborative safety management to maximise the benefits of DofE expeditions for students while ensuring compliance and safety.
Key Considerations for Schools
1. Organisational Responsibilities:
Schools operating as DofE Centres must comply with their employer's policies.
Ensure a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities among staff, students, and external providers.
Employers (e.g. Local Authorities, Academy Trusts) are ultimately responsible for safety and must oversee arrangements.
2. Staffing and Training
Staff must be competent in managing expeditions, with training aligned to DofE and safety guidelines.
Schools must provide ongoing staff development for effective supervision and support during expeditions.
3. Use of External Providers (Approved Activity Providers - AAPs):
External providers must meet safeguarding and health standards.
Schools retain duty of care even when expeditions are managed externally and should monitor providers closely.
4. Risk Management:
Detailed risk assessments are essential for expeditions, covering training, emergency protocols, and safeguarding measures.
Special considerations are necessary for overseas expeditions, including compliance with international standards like BS8848:2014.
5. Safety Oversight:
Schools must confirm if an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) licence is required and ensure compliance.
Academies delivering expeditions to non-enrolled students need to review licensing requirements independently of local authority arrangements.
6. Assessor Role:
Accredited Assessors ensure participants meet expedition standards but are not responsible for safety management.
Recommendations
The guidance recommends that schools and educational settings:
Establish strong partnerships with Operating Authorities or AAPs for additional support and resources.
Engage Outdoor Education/ Educational Visits Advisers to align expedition planning with legal and policy requirements.
Incorporate expeditions into broader learning to enhance their educational impact through reflection and follow-up activities.
Further reading from OEAP National Guidance and DfE:
If you’d like further support on this issue, or advice on other aspects related to educational visits, speak to your Educational Visits Adviser.