Client: Church of England — The 30k Project
Catalyst is a well-structured example of blended, competency-based ministry training: a small, consistent module template reduces cognitive and facilitation overhead while still allowing rich, optional depth for motivated learners.
Programme Overview
Catalyst is a free, fully-funded national training course equipping and connecting people who work with children and young people in the local church — from new volunteers to paid children’s and youth workers. The programme runs as a blended, cohort-based journey combining a Moodle-hosted digital platform with diocesan facilitated learning groups, a national conference, and an in-person graduation/celebration event.
Learning Design Structure
The course is designed as a modular journey delivered over roughly a year. Each module follows a consistent four-part instructional pattern, giving the programme a repeatable, scalable rhythm across dioceses. This structure balances self-paced digital content with social, cohort-based learning — asynchronous input feeding into synchronous, facilitator-led discussion.
Ed-Tech Delivery
- LMS: Moodle, themed and branded for Catalyst, with structured course navigation, a glossary, media folder, and dedicated Help & FAQ / User Guide pages
- Accessibility: A comprehensive built-in accessibility toolkit — visual impairment, seizure/epileptic, colour vision deficiency, ADHD, dyslexia and low-vision profiles, adjustable text size/spacing/line height, dyslexia-friendly font, reading guide/mask, and cursor options
- Onboarding pathways: Distinct, clearly signposted routes for two audiences — diocesan administrators (“Register my Diocese”) and individual learners (“Apply as a participant”)
Stakeholder & Cohort Model
Two parallel user journeys are designed into the platform:
- Dioceses — register centrally, coordinate local facilitated groups, and host induction days across three regional launch clusters
- Participants — apply individually, engage with self-paced content, attend local gathered sessions, and progress through the conference and celebration milestones
Evidence of Impact
Diocesan and participant testimonials on the site point to consistent outcomes: renewed leader confidence, stronger cross-parish networks, increased practical/imaginative ministry skill, and reduced feelings of isolation (“imposter syndrome”) through peer-shared learning.