All CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff receive training on interacting with people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
                     All CQC-registered providers to ensure 
their staff receive training on interacting 
with people with learning disabilities and 
autistic people
From July 1, 2022, all health and social care providers registered with the CQC must 
ensure that their staff gets training on how to engage correctly with individuals with 
learning disabilities and autistic people at a level relevant to their role.  This new legal 
requirement is part of the Health and Care Act 2022.
The government is required to consult on and publish a Code of Practice outlining the 
content, delivery, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the Oliver McGowan 
Mandatory Training that it has developed.  The Code of Practice is expected to be 
published within 12 months.
Until the Code of Practice is published, the CQC will provide statutory guidance. During 
provider evaluations and inspections, they will look to determine if employees are 
working with people properly. If not, they will consider what training and support staff 
have had to ensure their understanding. Following the implementation of this 
requirement, they will examine whether workers got this training and if providers 
assessed the skills of their team as a result of the training.  They will not consider what 
the training itself involved.
According to Debbie Ivanova, Director for People with Learning Disabilities and 
Autistic People:
“We applaud the government for taking this critical step. By ensuring that staff in all 
services receive role-specific training, whether in an acute hospital, dentist practice, GP 
surgery, or a place where people live, they will be able to further develop the skills 
needed to ensure that people with learning disabilities and autistic people receive the 
appropriate care.” 
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism
What is The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism?
This training will ensure that health and social care workers receive appropriate learning 
disability and autism training for their roles. It will provide them with a better knowledge 
of people's needs, leading to enhanced services and health and well-being outcomes.
Where did it come from?
The Government published 'Right to be Heard' in November 2019 as their response to the 
consultation on plans to introduce mandatory learning disability and autism training for 
health and social care staff. 
The response included a commitment to creating a standardised training program. The 
training will be based on current best practices, the knowledge of autistic persons, 
people with learning disabilities, and family caregivers, as well as subject matter 
specialists. 
Why is it named The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and 
Autism?
The training is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death highlighted the need for better 
training for health and social care workers. The Oliver McGowan website has further 
information on Oliver and his story.
The Health and Care Act of 2022
The government has now made it mandatory for CQC-registered service providers to 
offer their employees with learning disabilities and autism training that is appropriate for 
their role. This was implemented to ensure that the health and social care workforce has 
the necessary skills and knowledge to offer autistic and learning-disabled persons safe, 
compassionate, and informed care. The Health and Care Act 2022 includes this 
requirement.
The Secretary of State must provide a Code of Practice outlining the nature of the 
training, including its content, delivery, and ongoing evaluation. The government must 
have a public consultation on the Code of Practice. The timing of the consultation is still 
being discussed.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism package is not 
yet available. The Department of Health and Social Care is exploring with statutory 
bodies (NHS England and Health Education England), as well as Skills for Care, how 
elements of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism 
program can begin to be delivered while the Code of Practice is being developed.
The Policies and procedures are important in ensuring that the agency 
delivers the highest levels of performance and service to all our customers. 
Our Policies for Care Agency are designed to assist you in providing the 
highest level of care. With our expertise we can help care homes to develop 
their business, while ensuring they stay compliant with all relevant 
legislation. To know more about our policies for young people. Visit our 
website now.
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