2023 Global Award Overview

Award Delivery

In more than 120 countries, our globally recognised accreditation is available to all 14 to 24-year-olds, who are part of a licensed organisation, inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities. The Award is delivered internationally through three main networks of licensed operators, from National Award Operators (NAOs) to Operating Partners (OPs) working with their own affiliated organisations, to directly licensed Independent Award Centres (IACs) – typically international schools or youth clubs.

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62

National Award Operators (NAO)

465

Independent Award Centres (IAC)

3

Operating Partners (Ops)

120+

Countries and Territories

Award Participants

There are over 1 million young people currently completing their own unique programme, via tens of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators, including schools, youth organisations, examination boards and youth offender institutions. 

Read more from the Participants Satisfaction Survey 2023

1,151,012

Award participants

561,028

Awards started in 2023

Over 6 million hours

of each volunteering, physical activity, and skill practice was achieved through participants who completed an Award in 2023

256,167

Awards completed in 2023

Award Centres

The Award’s global reach varies, not only in the delivery model of licensed operators, but also in the wide range of institutions it is offered. 

9,093

Government Schools (41%)

4,712

Uniformed Organisations (21%)

3,873

Independent / Private Schools (18%)

4,295

Other

Awards Gained

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections and is designed to provide a balanced programme of personal development and challenge. Participants complete sections; Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service, Adventurous Journey, at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants complete an additional Gold Residential Project. 

174,882

68% of Award participants attained their Bronze Award in 2023

64,137

25% of Award participants attained their Silver Award in 2023

17,208

7% of Award participants attained their Gold Award in 2023

Adults in the Award

The successful delivery of the Award is a significant undertaking which relies on thousands of volunteers giving up their time and effort to support young people in their communities.  

169,860

Adults supported Award delivery

98%

of Adults who delivered the Award in 2023 were volunteers

37,111

Award Leaders