Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training โ Tier 1, Tier 2 & Train the Trainer | PLAB Guide Academy
Oliver McGowan
Mandatory Training
Learning Disability & Autism Awareness โ Tier 1 & Tier 2
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is a nationally standardised programme, co-produced with people with lived experience, ensuring health and social care staff have the knowledge, skills and awareness to support autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Required under the Health and Care Act 2022 for all CQC-registered providers.
Group bookings and bespoke delivery available for your organisation
Legal Requirement
Why This Training Matters
The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a requirement that all CQC-registered providers must ensure staff receive training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their role. The Oliver McGowan programme is the preferred and recommended route to fulfilling this requirement, trialled with thousands of staff and independently evaluated for effectiveness.
Legal Compliance
Meet the Health and Care Act 2022 requirement for CQC-registered providers โ staff must receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role.
Co-Produced with Lived Experience
Every session is co-delivered with experts by experience โ autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities sharing real insight and perspective.
NHSE Approved Delivery
PLAB Guide Academy instructors are NHSE approved to deliver The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to the highest national standard.
Independently Evaluated
Trialled with thousands of healthcare staff and independently evaluated for effectiveness โ a nationally standardised, evidence-based programme.
How It Works
Training Structure
The Oliver McGowan training is delivered in two parts. All participants begin with Part 1 (e-learning), then progress to the tier-specific live session in Part 2.
Part 1: E-Learning Module
All Participants โ Approximately 90 Minutes
Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 begin with an e-learning module covering the foundational knowledge required before attending a live session.
Awareness & General Understanding
For staff who require general awareness of how to support autistic people or people with learning disabilities in their role.
Co-delivered by a subject matter expert and experts by experience. Includes discussion, Q&A, real-life insight, and reflection on how to apply learning in practice.
Enhanced Learning for Care Roles
For those who provide care or make complex decisions when working with autistic people or people with learning disabilities.
Co-delivered by subject matter experts and experts by experience (one with lived experience of a learning disability, one autistic). Split into two focused halves:
What You'll Learn
Tier 2 Learning Outcomes
Experiences, Strengths & Support Needs
In-depth understanding of the experiences, strengths, challenges and support needs of people with learning disabilities and autism.
Reasonable Adjustments in Practice
Exploration of reasonable adjustments and adaptations that can be implemented in your daily practice to improve care and outcomes.
Self-Reflection & Awareness
Reflecting on your own attitudes, biases, communication style and decision-making when supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Legislation & Inclusive Service Design
Understanding the relevant legislation, frameworks and principles of inclusive service design to create truly accessible and equitable care environments.
Choose Your Level
Which Tier Should You Choose?
Choose Tier 1 if your role is:
Choose Tier 2 if your role involves:
๐ก Important Note
Tier 2 inherently includes all Tier 1 content, so staff only need to complete the highest tier required for their role โ not both. Employers and workforce leads should assess the training needs of individual roles and plan accordingly.
Our Difference
Why Choose PLAB Guide Academy?
NHSE Approved Instructors
Our instructors are NHSE approved to deliver The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to the nationally recognised standard.
Expert Training Team
Our directly employed team are expert trainers in autism and learning disabilities, with broader experience across healthcare education.
Full-Day Trainer Presence
All our trainers for Tier 2 courses participate across the whole day โ ensuring continuity, quality and depth of learning throughout.
Large Group Capacity
We can accommodate up to 36 delegates in our Tier 2 training programmes โ ideal for organisational rollouts and team training.
Bespoke Delivery Available
We offer Tier 1, Tier 2 and Train the Trainer programmes with flexible scheduling to suit your organisation's needs.
Our Programmes
Courses We Offer
TIER 1
Awareness & General Understanding
TIER 2
Enhanced Learning for Care Roles
TRAIN THE TRAINER
Become an Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oliver McGowan training a legal requirement?
Yes. The Health and Care Act 2022 requires all CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff receive training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their role. The Oliver McGowan programme is the nationally recommended route to meet this requirement.
Do I need to complete both Tier 1 and Tier 2?
No. Tier 2 includes all Tier 1 content, so you only need to complete the highest tier required for your role. Your employer or workforce lead should determine the appropriate tier based on your role responsibilities.
What does the e-learning involve?
The e-learning module takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers core topics including understanding learning disability, understanding autism, communication, reasonable adjustments and reflection. It must be completed before attending the live session.
Can you deliver this training at our organisation?
Absolutely. We offer bespoke delivery and can arrange training at your premises for groups of up to 36 delegates. Contact us to discuss scheduling and group bookings tailored to your organisation's needs.
What about the Train the Trainer programme?
We also offer the Train the Trainer programme for those who wish to become an Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator and deliver this training within their own organisation. Contact us for details on availability and requirements.
Get Started
Book Your Training
To arrange Oliver McGowan training for your team or organisation, get in touch today. We can help you determine which tier is most appropriate, schedule live webinars or face-to-face sessions, and support with group bookings and bespoke delivery.
Call Us
07447 183 842
0161 564 6162
Email Us
training@plabguide.co.uk
We Can Help With
Tier selection ยท Group bookings ยท Bespoke scheduling ยท On-site delivery
Ensure Your Team
Is CQC Compliant
Book Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training with PLAB Guide Academy โ NHSE approved, co-produced with lived experience, and tailored to your organisation.
๐ 07447 183 842 ย ยทย 0161 564 6162 ย ยทย โ๏ธ training@plabguide.co.uk