Oliver McGowan Training
Tier 2
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Tier 2 on Learning Disability and Autism, named after Oliver McGowan, is essential for all health and social care professionals in the UK.
We deliver Oliver McGowan training programmes across England, Scotland and Wales, supporting NHS trusts, local authorities, charities and businesses nationwide.


Why is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Essential?
Following Oliver McGowan’s tragic death, The Health and Care Act 2022 made this training a legal requirement for regulated service providers.
This is the government’s preferred training, designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. The training aligns with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, aiming to reduce health inequality by ensuring everyone receives appropriate care.
We are dedicated to delivering the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to empower your staff with the knowledge and skills to prevent harm to disabled people in your care.
Essential Information & FAQs
This powerful animation, co-designed and co-produced with autistic people and people with a learning disability, aims to help staff and employers across health and social care to understand what the Oliver McGowan Training is, and why it’s so vitally important.
Who is the Oliver McGowan Training designed for?
This training is tailored for all health and social care professionals, regardless of your prior experience with learning disabilities and autism. Whether you’re new to these topics or looking to deepen your knowledge, our training is designed to support you. It is the preferred and recommended training to meet the requirements of the Health and Care Act 2022.
What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 training?
Tier 1 of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is a 1-hour session for those who require general awareness of the support autistic people or people with a learning disability may need within your organisation’s setting. You can view and book our upcoming Tier 1 training sessions on Eventbrite.
Tier 2 of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training provides more in-depth, detailed learning for organisations or teams that provide care and support for autistic people or people with a learning disability.
Do you offer discounts for multiple session bookings?
Yes, we do. We understand the need for ongoing training and development. If you are interested in booking multiple sessions, please contact us directly to discuss discounted rates. We are happy to create a tailored package to meet your organisation’s specific needs.
Do you run public sessions so individuals can attend?
Yes, we do. We understand the challenges faced by small teams, especially when not everyone can attend training at the same time due to various commitments, including care responsibilities. We offer flexible options to accommodate your needs and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate without burdening your company with the cost of multiple full-day bookings.
For teams facing scheduling constraints, we offer the option to purchase a bulk number of seats upfront. These seats can then be used flexibly within a 6-month period, allowing your team members to attend training at different times as their schedules permit. This staggered approach ensures everyone receives the necessary training without disrupting their other commitments.
We provide training at several locations across the South East of England. The price per individual seat varies depending on the specific session, available capacity, and the training location.
Visit our Eventbrite page to book individual training sessions, or contact us to discuss the best option for your team. We’re happy to help you find the most cost-effective and convenient solution to meet your organisation’s needs.
Where do you run your training sessions, and how can I book?
We regularly run Tier 2 training sessions in Hampshire, Sussex, Brighton, Surrey, London, and Kent. While these are our primary locations, we’re not limited to them. We are committed to delivering this important training across the country. Our ability to offer sessions in other areas depends on the availability of our expert lived experience trainers.
For private Tier 2 training sessions, please get in touch with us to discuss your specific location and training needs by emailing ged@valentinagroup.co.uk or calling +44 7717 531853.
Alternatively, to book individual seats for our public Tier 1 or Tier 2 sessions, visit our Eventbrite page.
Do you offer support after the training session?
Absolutely. We offer ongoing support for participants, including access to additional resources and opportunities to ask follow-up questions. We can also offer bespoke training packages for your organisation, as well as accessibility and inclusion consulting. Whatever your needs, we’re here to help you continue your learning journey.
Does the training count as Continued Professional Development (CPD)?
Yes. The Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Training counts towards your continued professional development (CPD) and is designed to enhance your existing skills. It provides practical knowledge that you can apply directly in your daily practice, improving patient care and communication.
How do I know which training (Tier 1 or Tier 2) is right for me?
Not sure whether Tier 1 or Tier 2 is right for you or your organisation? Answer these three quick questions to find your best fit.
Where do you deliver Oliver McGowan Training?
We deliver Oliver McGowan training programmes across England, Scotland and Wales, supporting NHS trusts, local authorities, charities and businesses nationwide.
Our experience
- 1,200+ Sessions delivered
- 25,000+ People trained
- 180 Autistic and learning disabled trainers
- 5-star Feedback
Bespoke Training
Whether you’re looking for a tailored, one-off session or series of workshops for your team, we create space for honest conversations, helping you uncover who might be getting excluded – and what you can do to include them.
You’ll leave every session with insights you can act on right away, as well as long-term strategies.
Our accessibility and inclusion training is about shifting attitudes, building confidence, and empowering every member of your team to make your services, spaces, and systems work for everyone.
If you’re ready to move beyond awareness into action, let’s talk.

Oliver McGowan Training Benefits
The Oliver McGowan Training is beneficial for all health and social care professionals, including nurses, doctors, social workers, care managers, support workers and therapists.
Strengthen Communication
Develop strategies to create better lines of communication with patients. You know your stuff, let us help you share it.
Enhance Understanding
Gain a deeper appreciation of the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Collaborate Effectively
Build stronger partnerships with patients, families, and colleagues, leading to better outcomes.
Support Patient Care
Remove barriers and feel empowerd to advocate for and implement inclusive, person-centered care.
What to expect from our training
Our interactive, in-person Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training is a one-day course that builds on your team’s existing expertise. It’s designed to fit into your mandatory training days, and our scheduling is flexible.
Part One: Learning Disability (AM)
- Enhance your understanding of learning disabilities and the legal frameworks that support care
- Explore ways to improve communication and address unconscious biases
- Learn best practices for medication management and patient interaction
Part Two: Autism (PM)
- Gain insight into the unique characteristics and challenges of autism
- Learn how to recognise anxiety triggers and make reasonable adjustments to support your patients
- Become familiar with legislation and resources that promote inclusive and effective services
Delivered by expert facilitators with lived experience.
Our training sessions are led by friendly, expert facilitators who combine evidence-based insight with lived experience of the challenges we explore.
You’ll hear new perspectives, be able to ask questions in a safe, non-judgemental space, and leave feeling changed – not just informed.
We don’t do lectures, and we’re not here to tick boxes. Our sessions are discussion-based, practical, and rooted in real-life examples that reflect the diversity of experience of neurodivergent and disabled people.