New coaching qualifications and key improvements coming this autumn

We're working behind the scenes on a new England Athletics Learning Hub for coaches, officials and volunteers. While development continues, we’re introducing a number of improvements this autumn, alongside the launch of our new Sessional Coach and Assistant Coach qualifications, which are now available to book. Together, these changes will help simplify key processes and improve the experience for coaches, officials and volunteers.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming over the coming months and what they mean for you.

No disruption to existing services

The most important thing to note is that there will be no interruption to current service. All existing systems will remain available while work on the new Learning Hub continues. You can continue to:

• Book courses
• Access online learning activities
• Complete licensing requirements
• Manage compliance and safeguarding requirements.

Improvements coming this autumn

Over the coming weeks, several important enhancements will be introduced to improve multiple areas within the coaching pathway.

A new DBS process

We’re introducing a new, more streamlined DBS process for those who require a DBS check as part of their licensing requirements.

This new process will:

• Improve the overall user experience
• Speed up identity verification
• Reduce administration
• Create a more efficient safeguarding process

Those who need to complete a DBS renewal of apply for a new DBS when the new process launches will receive full guidance. A manual Post Office route will also be available for a small fee.

For coaches and leaders, DBS checks will only be mandatory for specific licensed roles. Officials will continue to require a DBS check, while some coaching and leader roles will move to a self-declaration process.

Rather than carrying out identity verification checks themselves, Welfare Officers and current DBS Verifiers will play a key role in:

• Helping club volunteers understand whether they require a DBS check.
• Guiding applicants through the new process.
• Signposting individuals to the support available if they experience any difficulties.

This means less administration and fewer face-to-face checks, allowing clubs to focus more on supporting volunteers through the process.

Updated safeguarding training

We’re also refreshing the safeguarding training content and the new renewal process to make requirements clearer and easier to complete. One of the key improvements is that roles currently requiring a two-stage safeguarding renewal process will move to a virtual, self-paced renewal option, creating a more straightforward experience for volunteer coaches.

What to do if you’re currently completing training

If you’ve already started a safeguarding or mandatory training course but haven’t completed it, we strongly encourage you to finish it as soon as possible.

As some course content will be changing, those who have not completed their training before the new changes are introduced may be asked to restart parts of the learning process. We’ll provide direct guidance to anyone affected and ensure no member is disadvantaged by the transition.

New qualifications now available

Alongside these improvements, we’ve continued to invest in the development of our coach education offer, with Sessional Coach and Assistant Coach now available to book.

Designed to provide clear entry points into coaching, these qualifications support people at different stages of their coaching journey. These qualifications now replace Coaching Assistant as the entry level qualification for those looking to coach track and field athletes.

Looking ahead

Our long-term goal stays unchanged. We’re continuing to develop a fully integrated Leaning Hub that will bring learning, qualifications and compliance together into a single experience.

In the meantime, the improvements being introduced this autumn are an important step towards creating a more streamlined and connected experience across learning, safeguarding and licensing. We’ll continue to share updates on the Learning Hub as development progresses, as well as communicating directly with all licensed coaches, leaders and officials once the ongoing changes are live.

Details of exact requirements for each leader, coach and official can be found on their Coach or Officials licence checklist on the myAthletics portal.

Our commitment remains to provide simple, reliable and effective learning, safeguarding and licensing services that support every coach, official and volunteer across the sport.