The Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24 available in 140 countries around the world. Doing the programme gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills for life and work. There are three progressive levels of programme which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Young people create their own programme by choosing a volunteering, physical and skills activity, going on an expedition and, for their Gold only, taking part in a residential activity. The Joint Award Initiative enables any young person who meets the conditions of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme within Northern Ireland, at any of its three levels, to have a choice of certification - from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Gaisce - The President's Award, or the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Joint Award is administered by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Northern Ireland
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Gaisce - The President's Award have worked together closely since Gaisce – The President’s Award was established in 1985. Since 2000 the two organisations have worked together under a Joint Award Initiative Agreement. This Agreement, which was put in place by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (then the International Award) after the Good Friday Agreement, represents a unique approach to working across boundaries in this particular area of endeavour. The strategic development of the Joint Award Initiative is the responsibility of a Joint Advisory Committee which includes members from both Gaisce - The President's Award Council and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Network Ambassadors. The choice of certification is a matter for the young person themselves. Young people who choose a Gaisce - The President's Award certificate at Gold level are invited to have their certificate presented by the President of Ireland in Dublin. Young people who choose a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award certificate are invited to receive their award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Earl of Wessex either in London, Edinburgh or Hillsborough.
