George Tsounias reveals the latest developments in the My Personal Finance Skills initiative, which sees the launch of a programme to support the skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
The My Personal Finance Skills programme is pleased to have partnered with the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to offer participants the opportunity to undertake a personal finance module as part of the skills section on their DofE Bronze Award.
The new programme is an exciting addition to the existing and highly popular My Personal Finance Skills initiative that delivers free financial education and careers insights sessions across the UK via a network of Education Champions.
In the last academic year 2021/2022, more than 700 sessions took place, reaching more than 23,000 students. Members looking to participate or who have any local school, youth group or other relevant contacts in their network are encouraged to email volunteers@thepfs.org.
Duke of Edinburgh
This free 13-week programme is open to participants looking to fulfil a skill as part of their DofE Bronze Award. The self-study programme will enable participants to understand and be more competent in various areas of personal finance.
Each week will require those taking part to complete tasks as part of the programme, with about one hour of work required. This is in line with DofE requirements.
How it works
Participants will submit their work for assessment by a member of the Personal Finance Skills team every three weeks, so that progress can be checked and feedback provided. At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will need to complete an evaluation, reflection and feedback to complete the programme, essentially bringing it up to 13 weeks and in line with the DofE requirements.
On completion, a report will be submitted to confirm participation in the programme.
To take part, students will need to already be enrolled onto the DofE scheme and be looking for a skill to complete as part of their Bronze Award. From there, they will be able to sign up via the
My Personal Finance Skills website.
In addition, they will need to make sure that a parent or legal guardian has completed and returned the consent form prior to starting.
Important information
The programme is only open to those wishing to complete the skills section of the Bronze Award. Participants will need to have access to a digital device with the ability to complete and save a PDF document.
All information about signing up as well as the necessary documents required can be found at mypersonalfinanceskills.org or by scanning the QR code below.
If you have any further queries, please email skills@thepfs.org
Programme Outline
The 12 week programme of self-study covers the following themes:
Week 1 What is personal finance and why is it important?
Week 2 What is a budget and how can I make one?
Week 3 Why should I save and how can I start saving?
Week 4 What is credit and how does it work?
Week 5 Making borrowing work for me
Week 6 Living within my means
Week 7 Staying safe from scams
Week 8 Joining the world of work
Week 9 What does being self-employed mean for my money? Week 10 Understanding insurance
Week 11 What are the financial risks?
Week 12 Planning an event
George Tsounias is relationship manager of education at the PFS
