Other learning disability and autism training

48. Can employers use a different learning disability and autism training package instead of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?

Providers will be expected to show to CQC how they have met the legal requirement, which may include completing The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.  The CQC's webpage on the training requirement on learning disability and autism, which contains further information: Training staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk).

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the government’s preferred and recommended training to meet the requirements of the Health and Act 2022.

The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice has been developed to provide guidance to employers about the Health and Care Act 2022 statutory requirements. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism meets the requirements of the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice.

Oliver’s Training has had significant investment and NHS England continues to support the rollout of Oliver’s Training by providing funding to ICSs to build capacity. This funding can only be used to roll out Oliver’s Training.

49. Can we use our own elearning package, followed by part 2 of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?

No. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training consists of the standardised elearning, available on elearning for healthcare and NHS England agreed platforms, and the standardised interactive second part. The training has been designed so part two builds on the learning from part one.

50. Can my organisation use Oliver's story video in our own learning disability and autism training?

No. Paula McGowan OBE has only given permission for the video to be used as part of the standardised The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. The video is part of Oliver’s Campaign which is now a registered trademark. It cannot be used in other education and training packages or sessions. 

Permission must be sought from Paula McGowan OBE prior to using any of Oliver’s Campaign material. You can find out more on the Oliver’s Campaign website and you can also follow Paula on Twitter.

51. How does The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism link with other NHS England commissioned training?

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is designed to provide the essential training that everyone needs. Other training, such as the suite of learning disability and autism training packages supported by NHS England, is designed to be delivered in addition to The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training. This is because the other training we provide covers learning outside the scope of the standardised The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.

Oliver’s Training is a vital and important first step in a journey to change health and care culture towards learning disability and autism. It provides a standardised package, so we know that everyone has a shared understanding of the essentials concerning learning disability and autism. Staff in roles that require more than the essential skills and knowledge will need additional training to enable them to perform their roles.

The additional training may come from a diverse range of sources, for example, child intellectual disability psychiatry training, National Autism Trainer Programme, Stopping over medication of people with a learning disability and autistic people (STOMP) training or training specific to an individual.