The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
Learning Disability and Autism Training
All GP practices in England must ensure their staff receive training in learning disability and autism, including how to interact appropriately with people with a learning disability and autistic people. This requirement was introduced by the Health and Care Act 2022 in July last year. The government’s preferred training programme is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. However, the Act does not specify a training package or course for staff.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
What is it and why has it been introduced?
The training is named after Oliver McGowan.
Oliver was a teenager who died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication he was known to be intolerant to.
The training is part of the government’s ‘Right to be heard’ commitments.
The training will equip the health and social care workforce with the right skills, knowledge & confidence they need to improve provide safe, compassionate and informed care and outcomes for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
The training will be standardised & accredited, drawing on:
- existing best practice
- the expertise of people with a learning disability, autistic people and family carers
- subject matter experts.
Do we have to do it?
The Government has introduced a requirement for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered service providers to ensure their employees receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role.
This requirement is set out in the Health and Care Act 2022 .
What exactly do we have to do?
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2022, health and social care providers will need to complete training on learning disability and autism, but can find an alternative training package to the Oliver McGowan package if they prefer
Everyone has to complete some training on learning disability and autism as per the Act and the “e-learning for health” training package is free and available to all, so practices may wish to use this resource. The e-learning will help staff understand learning disability and autism, as well as methods of communication and reasonable adjustments people may need.
BMA
This is the BMA’s statement of 26.5.23 regarding Oliver McGowan Training:
All GP practices in England must ensure their staff receive training in learning disability and autism, including how to interact appropriately with people with a learning disability and autistic people. This requirement was introduced by the Health and Care Act 2022 in July last year. The government’s preferred training programme is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. However, the Act does not specify a training package or course for staff. The CQC cannot tell practices specifically how to meet their legal requirements in relation to training, and while NHS England and ICBs may share the government’s training programme preference and encourage uptake, it is ultimately for practices to determine how their staff are trained to meet their legal requirements. Further information is available here.
CQC
ICBs
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are being supported to develop training capacity across England. As the number of trainers grows, the access to the online interactive and face-to-face training will increase. Each ICB will make its own decisions about how it organises and prioritises its delivery.
Other Resources
Wessex LMCs: Learning / Intellectual Disabilities - Audio & Video Podcasts and Recorded Webinars
Oliver McGowan | Oliver's Campaign |
Oliver McGowan: NHS autism training mandatory after teen's death - BBC News
