Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme -
Aim of the Service Section
Aim of the Service Section
To encourage service to individuals and to the community.
The Principles
This Section is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and that voluntary help is needed.
You should identify the voluntary service required, gain some knowledge of the needs of those whom you are assisting and then receive briefing and training in the skills required to give that service. The value of participation in the Service Section comes from training, giving practical service, and appreciating the needs of the community.
Benefits
Although the specific benefits depend on the choice of activity, the Service Section should provide opportunities to:
- make a personal contribution
- appreciate the needs of others and contribute to their well-being
- trust and be trusted
- understand your personal strengths and weaknesses
- increase self-esteem
- overcome prejudice and fears
- generate positive action in the community
- accept responsibility
Requirements
You are required to train for and give service to others. You should first consider the proposed form of practical service to be followed and then the training required so that the service can be undertaken with competence and insight. Depending on the form of service chosen, this training could range from an outline briefing session to a specialised training course or qualification.
The time requirements for this Section are detailed in the Conditions page.
- there is flexibility as to how the hours are spent within the total time span, as long as there is regular involvement throughout, averaging at least an hour a week
- for forms of service requiring a training course or qualification, the minimum time requirements include the time spent in training and the time spent in practical service
The Process
There are four stages in the Service Section:
1: Initial Briefing
The period of involvement should start with an initial briefing confirming the nature of the service, what form of training needs to be undertaken and the nature of the practical involvement.
2: Training
Training should be provided which can take the form of further briefings, attendance on a course and/or gaining a related qualification.
3: Practical Service
Related to the training received.
4: Final Review
The service activity, progress and quality of experience are reviewed, with you and the assessor and participant completing your Record Book.
INITIAL BRIEFING ~
The initial briefing should help confirm that you have made the right choice of service and clarify your commitment. Through discussion with your supervisor, assessor or mentor, the initial briefing should cover the following areas:
- establish the nature of the service to be undertaken i.e. the practical task, commitment required etc.
- define and understand the purpose of the service - the needs of the individual, organisation or community
- any necessary safety or legal requirements should be identified and followed
- define your role by discussing and agreeing your individual programme, goals and expectations
- establish what training is required, such as health nd safety, legal factors, skills etc.
- establish a system for regular supervision and monitoring and agree the process for review, evaluation and assessment.
TRAINING ~
Your choice may require a course of specialised training. The course instructor should be aware that it is being undertaken as part of your Award. On completion of the course or attainment of the relevant qualification, the course instructor or examiner should sign the appropriate page in your Record Book.
For courses without qualifications, the structure and format of training will vary depending on the agency or organisation involved and the resources available. The course should have an emphasis on practical sessions, supported with additional briefing sessions during these practical sessions. You should use the planning pages to record dates and details of training undertaken for use in the final review.
Where a form of service has a training course or qualification, then the training or qualification should be completed. Where this is not available or appropriate the Operating Authority may authorise adaptations. Details on qualifications can be found in the Programmes File and on the Awardís web site www.theaward.org
PRACTICAL SERVICE ~
- you must undertake practical service following training
- the practical service should relate to the training undertaken, so you have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained on the course, and may be undertaken either as part of a group or on an individual basis
- minimum age restrictions, legal and insurance requirements may apply to some service opportunities and must always be observed
- you may wish to keep a record of your practical service on the planning and recording sheet which could form part of the final review
instruction, supervision and assessment
Instruction and assessment should be undertaken by individuals who are knowledgeable, experienced and/or qualified in their chosen activity. They should be acceptable to the Operating Authority and have the necessary expertise and enthusiasm to guide and encourage you in your efforts.
For forms of Service with a Course or Qualification it is essential that both the instructor and the assessor are qualified people approved by the appropriate governing body and the Operating Authority. The instructor and the assessor may be the same person, but in some cases independent assessment may be desirable.
The assessment of practical service should confirm that you have applied the knowledge gained during the period of training and have shown reliability, competence and an understanding of the need for the service given.
FINAL REVIEW ~
The review should:
- reflect on the need for the service
- review the benefits to the organisation concerned and/or the wider community
- enable you to identify what you have gained and the quality of the experience
After the review, your Record Book is completed and signed by the assessor. You can add your comments if you wish.
Choice
You can use the following list of ideas for service or alternatively develop your own programme to meet community needs.
Your choice should reflect your individual interests, talents and capabilities but also be challenging and may build on previous experiences. Service programmes are currently available either in the Programmes File, on the Awardís web site www.theaward.org or from the relevant UK Award Office.
