Learning That Lasts: A Case Study in CPD Innovation at Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

The Challenge

The Trust faced considerable challenges in aligning its operations with new educational technology standards while ensuring strict adherence to GDPR and cybersecurity protocols. These compliance demands were compounded by the need to simultaneously reduce the administrative workload for senior leaders at the school level by centralising compliance management.

The Trust envisioned creating a streamlined system where compliance responsibilities were handled centrally, freeing school leaders to focus on educational priorities. Additionally, they aspired to empower their staff through flexible Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities that could be accessed from any location and at any time, supporting modern, adaptable working practices. 

This approach aimed to foster a future-oriented mindset among staff, equipping them with enhanced digital literacy skills that would enable them to embrace innovation and aspire to higher professional goals while effectively meeting the demands of 21st-century education.

The Solution

Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) has embraced Learning Locker as a Trust-wide solution to elevate its educational strategy. Learning Locker, a cutting-edge asynchronous learning platform tailored to the Education sector, empowers staff by providing high-quality CPD in a flexible, affordable way.

For the Trust, using Learning Locker has been transformative, enabling a high level of standardised compliance across all schools and roles while fostering a cohesive, forward-thinking learning environment.

The Trust has embedded Learning Locker across its network of schools to create a unified approach to compliance and professional development. This ensures that all staff, regardless of role or position, are aligned with the MAT’s overarching goals and standards. By centralising compliance management within Learning Locker, the Trust has streamlined previously time-consuming processes, allowing educators and school leaders to concentrate on teaching and learning priorities.

A unique and forward-looking aspect of Learning Locker is its capability to host Continuing Professional Development (CPD) materials internally. Pope Francis Catholic MAT has leveraged this feature to share best practices across the Trust without the logistical challenges of organising cover or the complexities of data sharing. Staff members benefit from on-demand access to CPD resources, enabling them to improve their skills and knowledge at their own pace. Moreover, Learning Locker’s robust tracking capabilities ensure that the Trust can monitor who has engaged with the CPD content, making the process both transparent and efficient.

For senior leadership teams (SLT), Learning Locker offers automated reporting features that save valuable administrative time. Auto-nudge functionalities further enhance productivity by directing staff attention to critical tasks, eliminating the need for constant follow-ups.

This technology-driven approach has allowed Pope Francis Catholic MAT to create an environment where Learning Locker serves as a pivotal tool for streamlining compliance, enhancing professional development, and supporting a unified educational strategy across all schools.

The Result

Staff at Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust have completed 9,511 minutes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through Learning Locker.

This time has been returned to staff in a flexible, asynchronous format that fits around their schedules. The Trust has fully embraced mandatory compliance training, including courses in General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyber Security, ensuring all staff receive a consistent learning offer and that each school meets external compliance requirements.

In addition to the required modules, many staff members have chosen to complete up to 7 optional courses, expanding their digital skills and exploring personal interests to support both professional growth and intellectual curiosity.

Client Statement

Learning Locker has completely changed how we support staff development and manage compliance. The ability to track engagement and completion in real time has given us clarity and confidence across the Trust. Personally, I love how easy it is to see who’s completed what,  and the auto-nudge feature means I don’t have to chase people manually anymore. It’s made my role more strategic and less reactive.

Dawn Johnson – Director of Standards – Pope Francis Catholic Academy Multi Academy Trust

What I really appreciate about Learning Locker is how easy it is to upload and share Trust-wide resources. We’ve been able to centralise everything from policy updates to training videos, and staff know exactly where to go. It’s helped reduce email traffic and made communication much clearer.

Oskar Filoda - Data Analyst Apprentice – Pope Francis Catholic Academy Multi Academy Trust

Computeam Statement

The Professional Development Team at Pope Francis Catholic MAT are showing how flexible working doesn’t have to impact the quality of CPD staff receive, they are leading the way in how efficient asynchronous professional development can meet compliance goals without sacrificing precious staff time.

Mandi Jackson – Director of Education – Computeam