When British Gymnastics launched their Leap Without Limits vision, it wasn’t just a rebranding exercise. It was a commitment to creating an uplifting, safe, and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the sport. At the heart of this vision sat a critical question for their membership team: How do we empower 100,000+ members, coaches, and volunteers to grow with us?
The answer lay in the complete transformation of the BG Academy.
Working alongside the team at British Gymnastics to relaunch their learning platform provided a masterclass in how professional bodies can bridge the gap between “delivering courses” and “nurturing a community.”
Here are four actionable takeaways from the British Gymnastics journey for any membership organisation looking to revitalise its digital learning strategy.
1. Audit Before You Acquire: The Power of the “Listening Phase”
One of the most impressive aspects of the BG Academy relaunch was the research that preceded it. British Gymnastics didn’t start with a technical specification; they started with six months of in-depth interviews with grassroots staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
The Lesson: Many organisations buy an LMS to fix a perceived problem, only to find the “solution” doesn’t fit the user’s reality. By identifying the need for “coherent, joined-up journeys” through direct feedback, BG ensured that the final platform—built on Moodle Workplace—met the actual needs of a busy coach at 7:00 PM on a Tuesday, not just the requirements of a head-office administrator.
2. Inclusion is a Retention Strategy, Not a Checkbox
Accessibility was a non-negotiable pillar for the Leap Without Limits vision. However, British Gymnastics viewed accessibility (WCAG standards) as more than just legal compliance; they viewed it as a way to remove the friction that causes member churn.
The Lesson: If your learning platform is difficult to navigate for those with additional needs, you are effectively telling those members they don’t belong. By prioritising screen reader compatibility and intuitive navigation, the BG Academy ensures that every volunteer, regardless of their background or ability, feels supported. Inclusive design is, ultimately, a member retention strategy.
3. Move from “One-Off Training” to “Learning Paths”
A common pitfall for professional bodies is providing a “library” of content without a map. British Gymnastics moved away from this “static” model toward Programs and Learning Paths.
The Lesson: Professional development shouldn’t be a series of disconnected events. By using Moodle Workplace to structure courses into a single, logical flow, BG provides members with clarity on their “next step.” For the organisation, this ensures that the workforce’s skills stay aligned with the national strategy. For the member, it provides a clear sense of career and personal progression.
4. Recognition is the Currency of Engagement
In a volunteer-driven organisation, you cannot mandate engagement through salary. You have to drive it through recognition and value. The new BG Academy leans heavily into digital badges, certificates, and real-time feedback.
The Lesson: Recognising achievement in real-time creates a “momentum loop.” When a volunteer earns a digital badge for completing certain modules, it provides immediate validation of their contribution, it provides immediate validation of their contribution. For professional bodies, these digital credentials also serve as “social proof” when members share their certificates on LinkedIn, acting as a natural (and free) acquisition tool for the organisation.
Making the Leap
The relaunch of the BG Academy demonstrates that a successful learning platform isn’t about the technology alone—it’s about using technology to amplify your mission.
Whether you are a small trade association or a large national governing body, the secret to a successful LMS relaunch lies in listening to your grassroots, prioritising inclusion as a core value, and ensuring that every member feels their growth is being recognised.
Is your learning platform supporting your vision, or just hosting your PDFs? Titus Learning is a premium Moodle Partner specialising in helping membership organisations like British Gymnastics, Inner Temple, and CILIP transform their digital learning. Find out more here.
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