Who should take Tier 1?
All health and social care staff must complete the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, regardless of their role or seniority. That includes clinical, non-clinical and administrative personnel across NHS and care organisations — not only those delivering hands-on care.
Tier 1 is for staff who may have contact with autistic people or people with a learning disability, but who are not directly involved in providing care and support. That typically means reception and administrative staff, ancillary teams, catering, maintenance, drivers, volunteers and board members.
If you are unsure which of your staff need Tier 1 and which need Tier 2, send us your staff list and roles. We will map it for you at no cost and with no obligation to book.
What the hour covers
The session gives your team general awareness of learning disability and autism, and the practical adjustments that make the difference in everyday contact. Delegates leave understanding what reasonable adjustments look like in their own role, how communication differences present, and why the training carries Oliver’s name.
- What a learning disability is, and what autism is
- Why the training became mandatory under the Health and Care Act 2022
- Recognising and making reasonable adjustments
- Communication that works, and communication that does not
- Where to go for help within your own organisation
What your team takes back to the floor
The training exists to close longstanding gaps in how learning disability and autism are understood by professionals. In practice, that means your staff leave better equipped to:
- Communicate in a way that works for the person in front of them
- Recognise and make reasonable adjustments as a matter of routine
- Advocate for the needs of the people in their care
- Treat dignity and respect as practice, not policy
Those are also the behaviours that reduce the health inequalities Oliver’s death exposed — which is why inspectors look for evidence of the training, not just a certificate on file.
Delivered live, not pre-recorded
Tier 1 runs as a live online session, so your team can ask questions and hear directly from a trainer rather than clicking through slides alone. Because it is online, location is irrelevant — teams across multiple sites can attend together.
We schedule around your rota, including early starts and later sessions where shift patterns require it.
Funding may cover your booking
Eligible adult social care employers can claim funding for Oliver McGowan training through Skills for Care. As an approved provider, the claim process is straightforward — we will walk you through it when you enquire. Registered charities, who cannot currently access this funding, are offered heavily reduced rates.