The Health and Care Act 2022 requires registered health and care providers in England to ensure their staff receive appropriate training on learning disabilities and autism. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government’s preferred training package, designed to improve understanding, reduce health inequalities, and support safer, more inclusive care.
Named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with mild autism and a learning disability whose death highlighted the need for improved awareness across health and care services, this training helps professionals understand individual needs, challenge assumptions, and provide more person-centred support.
Before You Start The Tier 1 Webinar Training Course
Before attending the Oliver McGowan Tier 1 Webinar, delegates must complete the Oliver McGowan E-learning course developed by Health Education England in partnership with E-learning for Healthcare.
The Health and Safety Group is an approved provider of the Oliver McGowan E-learning course.
What To Expect From Your Training
This fully interactive virtual course is delivered in real time by an experienced trainer via webcam. Delegates will take part in group discussions, interactive activities, and guided conversations, creating a classroom-style learning experience from home.
To participate, delegates will need:
- A laptop, tablet, or smartphone with the latest version of Zoom.
- A stable internet connection.
- A working microphone and camera.
- Speakers or headphones.
Delegates should ensure they are in a quiet environment where they can fully participate in the session.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for health and care professionals who require an understanding of learning disabilities and autism to support individuals effectively within their roles.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Engage directly with autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
- Explore and challenge common misconceptions about disability.
- Recognise that disabilities are not always visible.
- Understand the importance of individual needs and avoiding assumptions.
- Identify reasonable adjustments that can improve care experiences.
- Reflect on personal attitudes and behaviours when supporting individuals.
Course Content
- Understanding learning disabilities
- Understanding autism
- Reasonable adjustments in care settings
- Self-reflection on attitudes, behaviours, and communication approaches
Course Benefits
- Improve confidence when supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
- Develop a better understanding of individual needs and inclusive care.
- Learn how to make appropriate reasonable adjustments.
- Challenge stigma and promote more positive healthcare experiences.
- Support compliance with the Health and Care Act 2022 requirements.
