How Wilderness Expertise Supports the DofE’s Strategy to Widen Access and Increase Participation

We all know that the benefits of outdoor education — from confidence and resilience to teamwork and leadership — should be open to every young person, regardless of background. That’s why we’re proud to align our work with the recent strategic priorities of the DofE, particularly its focus on increasing participation among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and minority ethnic communities.

The 5 year strategy:

A National Focus on Equity and Access.

The DofE has stated its commitment to reaching more young people facing barriers to participation, including those living in poverty, with additional needs, and from minority ethnic backgrounds. This focus is part of the charity’s ongoing Youth Without Limits five-year strategy, which aims to grow participation and make the programme more inclusive for all communities across the UK — particularly young people who have historically had less access to enrichment activities.
Recent data shows that these efforts are making a difference: over recent years, progress has been made in reaching young people from marginalised backgrounds, even while there is more to be done.

What the Enrichment Guarantee Means.

A core part of this direction is the concept of The Enrichment Guarantee. This  is the UK Government’s proposal that every young person should have access to meaningful, high-quality enrichment activities as part of their education. This includes outdoor adventures, volunteering, arts and physical activities, and residential trips. The DofE has welcomed government support for this approach, describing it as a “watershed moment” for young people.
The Enrichment Guarantee signals a shift toward broader recognition of non-formal learning activities. It will help young people build life skills and confidence beyond the classroom. These experiences are linked to improved wellbeing, independence, and preparedness for future challenges.

How Wilderness Expertise Works aligns towards the Goals.

At Wilderness Expertise, we’ve always believed that outdoor education should be inclusive, supportive and accessible. Here’s how we put this into practice:

1. Inclusive Programme Design
We design our DofE expedition and personal development programmes so that they are accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds. We work with schools and partners to ensure that students feel supported and confident. We don’t excluded by jargon, unfamiliar environments, or assumed prior experience.

2. Positive Partnerships
We partner with schools and organisations who work with young people from all walks of life. By collaborating closely we tailor programmes so they fit the needs of the students involved, and we support schools to use DofE funding streams or bursaries to reduce cost barriers.

3. Focus on Experiences Everyone Can Access
Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t require loads of money, a sporting pedigree or outdoorsy upbringing. It requires curiosity, teamwork, and resilience. Our programmes emphasise developing skills development that are transferrable for other areas of current and future life, regardless of background. The DofE’s research confirms what we’ve known forever. Participation can boost skills and wellbeing for all participants, especially those from minority ethnic backgrounds and other underrepresented groups.

4. Empowering Through Experience

The benefits of participation are real and measurable. The DofE reports that alongside record levels of starts and achievements, improvements in wellbeing and confidence are seen across diverse groups of young people. Our delivery philosophy mirrors this. We help young people reflect on their development, celebrate progress and build confidence through challenge.

Looking Ahead.

As the DofE charity enters the final stage of its 5 year strategy, the national focus on equity and enrichment presents a fantastic opportunity for us to support young people from all backgrounds. The Enrichment Guarantee ensures that experiences which build character are not a luxury, but fundamental in young people’s education.
We’re proud to be part of this shared mission — one that helps more young people step outside their comfort zones, connect with the world around them, and discover what they’re capable of.