The Health and Care Act 2022 requires all CQC regulated service providers to ensure that their staff receive training on learning disability and autism which is appropriate to their role. This aims to equip the health and social care workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability.

The government has identified The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training as the preferred and recommended programme for health and social care staff. The training is co-delivered by experts with lived experience of learning disability and autism, alongside experienced trainers.

Who is Tier 1 training for?
Tier 1 training is designed for staff who require a general awareness of the support that autistic people and people with a learning disability may need. It is intended for individuals whose roles do not involve providing direct care or support, but who may interact with people with a learning disability or autistic people as part of their responsibilities.

What does Tier 1 involve?

Tier 1 is delivered by a team of trainers, including people with lived experience of both learning disability and autism. Delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions, listen to personal experiences, and engage in open discussion. Active participation is essential to ensure delegates build their understanding and are able to apply this knowledge in their workplace. The aim is to encourage reflection on current practice and promote a culture where people with a learning disability and autistic people receive excellent care and support across all services.

Course content includes:

How to ask individuals how they would like to be supported
Group discussions and opportunities to share experiences
Understanding the importance of reasonable adjustments
Challenging common myths
First-hand experiences from people with a learning disability and autistic people about using services

By the end of the session, delegates will be able to:

Recognise that everyone is different and has individual needs
Provide examples of how support can be adapted for people with a learning disability or autistic people
Explain the meaning of ‘reasonable adjustments’
Identify practical changes that will enable high-quality, person-centred care and services

Tier 1 Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability & Autism