Oliver McGowan Training for Care Providers
We are proud to deliver the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism (Tiers 1 and 2) Tier Two is a one-day, face-to-face course designed to build knowledge, awareness, and confidence in supporting autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities.This training is named in memory of Oliver McGowan, whose tragic and preventable death highlighted the critical need for better-informed, person-centred support in health and social care settings. This training is now the government's preferred and mandatory training, developed and endorsed by Health Education England, Skills for Care, and NHS England.
Course Pre-Requirements
All learners must complete the Oliver McGowan Tier 1 eLearning (available free via Health Education England) before attending this Tier 2 session. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure learners are equipped with foundational knowledge before participating in the in-person training.
Please note: This course focuses on building awareness and understanding. It does not cover specific treatment or intervention strategies.
Tier 2 Course Content and Structure
Morning Session: Learning Disability
Aim:
To improve understanding of learning disabilities and how to deliver safe, person-centred care aligned with current legislation and best practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand unconscious bias and prevent diagnostic overshadowing
- Learn from the Learning from Lives and Deaths Reviews (LeDeR), including the impact of co-existing conditions
- Explore the STOMP (Stop the Over-Medication of People with a Learning Disability) and STAMP campaigns
- Review the Equality Act 2010 and the role of reasonable adjustments
- Understand the appropriate use of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Know when and how to apply DNACPR decisions appropriately
- Improve communication with individuals and their families
- Recognise the importance of hospital passports and annual health checks
Afternoon Session: Autism
Aim:
To deepen understanding of autism, its presentation, and how to make environments and care practices more inclusive and enabling.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand autism as an “invisible condition”
- Reflect on personal values and beliefs relating to autism
- Identify the strengths and challenges faced by autistic individuals
- Recognise triggers for anxiety and how to respond
- Make reasonable adjustments to create supportive environments
- Learn about relevant legislation and practical resources for inclusive practice
How the Training Is Delivered?
This programme is delivered face-to-face only, ensuring a rich, interactive learning environment. Training is led by a fully accredited Oliver McGowan trainer with lived experience co-trainers. This unique delivery model ensures a truly engaging, person-led approach to learning.
This powerful new animation has been co-designed and co-produced with autistic people and people with a learning disability. It is aimed at helping staff and employers across health and social care to understand Oliver’s Training and why it is so vitally important.eck out this great video
Good News: Funding Available for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
Eligible health and social care providers can claim up to £25,000 through the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) to support the cost of Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
Funding is available until 31 March 2027.
Book early to secure your training dates and meet your mandatory training requirements.