Introducing the England Athletics Learning Hub

We’re introducing a new England Athletics Learning Hub for coaches, officials and volunteers. The Learning Hub will bring everything you need into one place - making it easier to manage your role, keep your licence up to date, and access your learning and records.

We’ll be sharing more on timelines soon, but here’s what you need to know about what’s changing and what it means for you.

What’s changing?

A simpler way to manage your licence and records

The Learning Hub will combine key processes into one system, so you no longer need to move between platforms.

You will be able to:

• Complete and renew your licence within the Learning Hub.
• View and manage your qualifications and requirements in one place.
• Log your Record of Experience directly within the system.
• Access your digital licence card, replacing physical cards.

We’re also moving to a rolling licence model, rather than a fixed 3-year cycle. This gives you more flexibility and ensures requirements are completed when they’re due.

More straightforward requirements and processes

We’re updating a number of existing processes to make them simpler and more efficient:

• For those with an existing First Aid qualification[GU1.1], you will be able to upload your evidence directly via the Learning Hub, with England Athletics carrying out spot checks. We will continue to offer a First Aid module for anyone who needs to complete this requirement.
• Licence terms and conditions will be updated, with full details provided separately ahead of launch.
• In line with regulated activity with children guidance, some roles will no longer require a DBS check, instead using a self-declaration process where appropriate.

A new DBS experience

We’re introducing a new online DBS checking system, removing the need for in-person identity verification.

This change is designed to:

• Make the process quicker and more accessible.
• Reduce the need for volunteers to attend face-to-face verification sessions.
• Better support those applying for or renewing their DBS.

As part of this, there will be some changes to how DBS requirements apply across different roles, as well as what is visible on licence records (for example, where individuals are licensed to work with under 18s).

Updated system access

The Learning Hub is a new platform, so:

• You will need to register for an account. Full details on how to do this will be communicated prior to launch, and all existing learner records will be migrated once your account has been created.
• These will be separate from your current myAthletics login.

This change supports our move away from legacy systems and allows us to deliver a more modern and reliable experience.

Wider updates (coming soon)

Alongside the Learning Hub, there are some wider updates that will be introduced over time. These include:

• Changes to the Welfare Officer role, which will become a licensed role.
• Potential updates to safeguarding training for some coaching roles.
• A new Health & Safety / risk awareness requirement for officials as part of licence renewal (planned from 2027).

We’ll share more detail on these areas separately, so you have clear guidance on what’s required and when.

Why we’re making these changes

We know that managing your role can sometimes feel complex, especially when using multiple systems or processes.

The Learning Hub is designed to:

• Reduce admin and save you time.
• Bring everything into one easy-to-use system.
• Give you a clear view of your licence, qualifications, and requirements.
• Make processes like DBS checks and renewals simpler and more accessible.
• Provide more flexibility through a rolling licensing model.

What this means for you

Once the Learning Hub is live, you’ll benefit from:

• Less time navigating different systems.
• Simpler ways to keep your licence up to date.
• Easier uploading and tracking of requirements.
• Greater visibility of your role, qualifications, and status.
• A more flexible and modern licensing experience.

What you need to do now

There’s nothing you need to do immediately, but there are a couple of things to be aware of:

• If you currently have a voucher, please use it on Athletics Hub before the new system launches. New codes will be issued where needed.
• If you have any in-progress qualifications or learning, we recommend completing these by the end of August to support a smoother transition. Your progress and records will not be lost, but completing existing activity will help avoid disruption.
• Look out for further communications with details of how to register on the Learning Hub.

We’ll guide you through each step ahead of launch.

If you have any questions about the new Learning Hub, please contact learninghub@englandathletics.org.