The Health and Safety Group is an official NHS provider of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, delivering Tier 1 webinars, Tier 2 classroom training, and Tier 2 Train the Trainer programmes.
This Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Co-Trainer Train the Trainer – Autism course prepares autistic individuals to become Co-Trainers (Experts by Experience), enabling them to share their lived experiences and work alongside an approved Lead Trainer to deliver The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
The programme focuses on building confidence, communication skills, professional boundaries, and wellbeing while ensuring Co-Trainers are fully supported and prepared for their role. Accessibility, reasonable adjustments, and individual support needs are embedded throughout the course to create an inclusive learning environment.
Successful delegates will be approved to co-deliver the Oliver McGowan Tier 2 One-Day Mandatory Training and will receive an official Oliver McGowan certificate number.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for autistic individuals who wish to become Co-Trainers in the delivery of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Participants will use their lived experience to challenge stigma, improve understanding, and influence better practice across health and social care services.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this programme, delegates will be able to:
- Understand the purpose, structure, and key messages of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
- Share lived experience confidently and safely to support learning.
- Work effectively with a Lead Trainer to co-deliver training sessions.
- Understand key rights and legislation affecting health and social care.
- Contribute to discussions around reasonable adjustments and person-centred care.
- Recognise the importance of boundaries, preparation, self-care, and ongoing support.
Why Is This Training Important?
The Health and Care Act 2022 places a legal requirement on registered health and social care providers in England to ensure staff receive appropriate training in learning disabilities and autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government’s preferred training programme for meeting this requirement. It was named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with mild autism and a learning disability whose death highlighted the need for improved understanding and safer care practices across health and social care services.
This training helps ensure the voices and experiences of autistic people are included in professional learning, supporting more inclusive, respectful, and person-centred care.
Pre-Requisites
Before attending the course, participants should:
- Watch Oliver’s Story.
- Prepare a one-page personal profile.
- Share any accessibility requirements and reasonable adjustments needed before the course.
Course Structure
Day 1 – Tier 2 Learning Disability
- Understanding Oliver’s Story
- Challenging beliefs and stigma
- Learning disability and health inequalities
- Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR)
- Key legislation including the Equality Act 2010 and Mental Capacity Act 2005
- DNACPR awareness
- Reasonable adjustments in healthcare
- Communication and hospital passports
Day 2 – Tier 2 Autism
- Understanding autism and neurodiversity
- The double empathy theory
- Strengths, masking, stress, and anxiety
- Sensory processing and inclusive environments
- Legal framework and reasonable adjustments
- Reflection and improving inclusive services
Day 3 – Preparing to Deliver
- Understanding the Co-Trainer role and co-delivery model
- Planning and structuring training slides
- Using lesson plans and scripts effectively
- Preparing for delivery and managing questions
- Reflection, feedback, and next steps
Duration
This is a three-day programme delivered over three non-consecutive days:
- Day 1 – Tier 2 Learning Disability
- Day 2 – Tier 2 Autism
- Day 3 – Preparing for Delivery
Each session is typically delivered as a 5-hour programme, including breaks.
Participants may bring a supporter to assist them throughout the course if required.
Course Benefits
- Develop confidence to share lived experience in a professional training environment.
- Gain the skills required to co-deliver Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Mandatory Training.
- Support improved understanding and inclusion of autistic people within health and social care.
- Learn effective communication, preparation, and co-facilitation skills.
- Receive an official Health Education England Oliver McGowan trainer PIN upon successful completion.
