The Ten Principles of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Everyone involved in the Award, at whatever level, works within a set of principles that underpin all aspects of the Award's delivery.

These key principles are:

1. Non-Competitive: The Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Each participant’s programme is tailor-made to reflect the individual starting point, abilities and interests.
2. Available to All: With a commitment to equal opportunities, the Award Programme is available to all young people who choose to take up its challenge.
3. Voluntary: Young people make a free choice to enter the programme and commit their own time to undertake the activities.
4. Flexible: Young people design their own programme, which can be geared to their choice and personal circumstances and to local provision. They may enter for whichever level of Award best suits them, and may take as long as they wish to complete an Award.
5. Balanced: By choosing activities in each of four different Sections (five at Gold), participants undertake a balanced and wide-ranging programme.
6. Progressive: At each level, the Award Programme demands more time and an increasing degree of commitment and responsibility from the participant.
7. Achievement Focused: Before starting an activity, young people are encouraged to set their own goals. If they aim for those goals and show improvement, they will achieve their Award.
8. Marathon, not a Sprint: The Award demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed in a short burst of enthusiasm. Participants may want to continue with activities beyond the minimum time requirements set out for each level of the Award.
9. Personal Development: The Award is a programme of personal and social development. The value to young people is dependent on personal commitment, the learning process and the quality of the experience.
10. Enjoyable: Young people and helpers should find participation enjoyable and satisfying.