About Us

In 1988, representatives of the Award Programme worldwide founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (also known as The International Award Association or IAA).

The Association was designed to co-ordinate and develop the Award worldwide, and to uphold the principles and standards of the Award Programme. These principles and standards are set out in the International Constitution. All operating authorities, whether at a local or national level, sign up to this constitution.

Our Mission

The mission of the Association is to:

• Promote the International Award for young people worldwide
• Provide the Programme worldwide, through appropriate international, national and local organisations, to as many young people as possible between the ages of 14 and 25
• Preserve the quality of the experience for young people by assuring appropriate standards of management.

Our Vision

The vision of the Association is for the Award to be the programme of choice for young people, reflected in quality, growth and external perception.

Our Members

The International Award Association (IAA) is made up of 61 National Award Authorities (NAAs) and over 200 Independent Operators (IOs) in more than 60 countries.

Our Structure

The work of the IAA is carried out by an International Secretariat, which is based in London.

The IAA is financially supported by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Foundation, a charitable company set up in the UK.