The Health and Safety Group is an official NHS England provider of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, delivering Tier 1 webinars, Tier 2 face-to-face training, and Tier 2 Train the Trainer programmes.
This Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Co-Trainer Train the Trainer – Learning Disability course prepares individuals with a learning disability to become Co-Trainers (Experts by Experience), enabling them to work alongside an approved Lead Trainer to deliver The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
The programme supports Co-Trainers to confidently share their lived experiences, challenge stigma, improve understanding, and positively influence healthcare practice. Participants will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to contribute safely and effectively to training delivery.
The course places strong emphasis on communication skills, professional boundaries, wellbeing, and effective preparation. Accessibility, reasonable adjustments, and individual support needs are central throughout the programme, ensuring Co-Trainers feel valued, supported, and fully prepared for their role.
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 people with a learning disability who wish to become Co-Trainers in the delivery of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Participants will contribute as Experts by Experience, using their personal experiences to support learning and improve professional practice across health and social care services.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this programme, Co-Trainers will be able to:
- Understand the purpose, structure, and key messages of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
- Share lived experience confidently and safely to enhance learning.
- Work effectively alongside a Lead Trainer to co-facilitate training sessions.
- Understand key rights and legislation relevant to 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 duty 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.
By involving Experts by Experience, the training ensures that the voices and perspectives of people with learning disabilities are included, helping professionals provide more inclusive, respectful, and person-centred support.
Pre-Requisites
Before attending the course, participants should:
- Watch Oliver’s Story.
- Prepare a one-page personal profile.
- Share accessibility requirements and reasonable adjustments in advance.
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 Co-Trainer slides
- Using slides, 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 Your Presentation
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 in sharing lived experience within a professional training environment.
- Gain the skills required to co-deliver Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Mandatory Training.
- Improve awareness of inclusive communication and person-centred care.
- Learn effective co-facilitation, preparation, and presentation skills.
- Receive a Health Education England Oliver McGowan trainer PIN upon successful completion.
