Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Tier 2 Course Overview
The Health and Care Act 2022 requires registered health and care providers in England to ensure their staff receive appropriate training in learning disabilities and autism. This Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training course supports organisations in meeting this requirement by improving understanding, communication, and care practices for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with mild autism and a learning disability whose death highlighted the need for improved awareness and safer healthcare practices, this training was developed to help reduce avoidable harm and promote more inclusive care.
The course is aligned with the Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People and Individuals with a Learning Disability. Participants will develop practical skills to recognise individual needs, make reasonable adjustments, communicate effectively, and provide safer, person-centred support.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for healthcare and social care professionals who support people with learning disabilities and autistic people, including staff working in hospitals, residential care, community services, and other health and care settings.
Before attending the Tier 2 classroom session, delegates must complete the Oliver McGowan E-learning course developed by Health Education England in partnership with E-learning for Healthcare.
What To Expect From Your Training
Delegates will attend a one-day classroom session delivered by an experienced trainer alongside trainers with lived experience. The course includes interactive discussions, practical activities, and opportunities to explore real-life scenarios, helping participants develop the confidence and skills needed to provide inclusive and effective care.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training should be refreshed at least every three years, or sooner if an individual’s role or responsibilities change.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Understand the importance of avoiding diagnostic overshadowing.
- Recognise common health conditions and comorbidities associated with learning disabilities and autism.
- Understand key legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, Autism Act 2009, and Equality Act 2010.
- Make reasonable adjustments to improve care experiences, including the use of hospital passports.
- Recognise the impact of stigma, professional bias, and cultural differences on healthcare outcomes.
- Communicate in accessible and inclusive ways.
- Listen to and involve individuals and their families in care decisions.
- Support people and families to provide feedback, raise concerns, and influence service improvements.
- Understand approaches to reducing overmedication and improving appropriate medication use.
- Use learning from LeDeR reviews to improve future care.
Course Content
- Overview of relevant legislation
- Diagnostic overshadowing
- Common types of comorbidities
- Hospital passports and reasonable adjustments
- Cultural diversity, stigma, and professional bias
- Inclusive communication approaches
- Supporting individuals and families
- Ask Listen Do framework
- STOMP and STAMP initiatives
- Learning from LeDeR reviews
Course Benefits
- Improve confidence in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.
- Develop practical approaches to delivering safer and more inclusive care.
- Understand how to make effective reasonable adjustments.
- Improve communication with individuals, families, and support networks.
- Support compliance with the Health and Care Act 2022 and best practice guidance.
