Winners announced for The Oliver McGowan Trainer Award

At the prestigious National Learning Disability and Autism Awards, three exceptional individuals were honoured with The Oliver McGowan Trainer Award. Emma Murray, Daniel John, and Adam Baker from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System stood proudly as champions for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. The award was presented by Alan Morrison, an autistic expert with lived experience working with NHS England and Chris Knight, Deputy Director of Education and Training at NHS England. 

Paula McGowan OBE, said:  

"The submissions for The Oliver McGowan Trainer award were outstanding, with each finalist demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity and person-centred care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.  

  

“Our winners, Emma, Daniel, and Adam, showed remarkable professionalism and teamwork, supporting and encouraging one another to create an effective training environment. Their efforts have been instrumental in helping health and social care staff better understand learning disability and autism. This team delivers Oliver’s Training in the very area Oliver passed away, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, making their success especially poignant.  

 

“It gives me great hope that progress is being made nationwide to help prevent avoidable deaths like Oliver’s from happening again." 

Chris Knight, said:  

“It was an absolute privilege to have awarded the first Oliver McGowan Trainer award on Friday at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards. I was so inspired by the people I met across the 11 finalists, especially the winners, Emma, Danny and Adam.” 

Through their efforts, Emma, Daniel, and Adam not only deliver Oliver’s Training but also transformed hearts and minds about the health and care for people with a learning disability and autistic people deserve and need.