# What is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, and who needs it?

> The legal requirement, Tier 1 and Tier 2, the Code of Practice, and how services can go beyond the minimum.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/oliver-mcgowan-training
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the government's preferred training for health and social care staff in England. Since 1 July 2022, CQC-registered providers must ensure staff receive training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their role. Tier 1 is for general awareness; Tier 2 is for staff who may provide care and support. A Code of Practice sets the standards.

**Key takeaways**
- Required for **CQC-registered** health and social care providers since **1 July 2022**.
- **Tier 1**: general awareness. **Tier 2**: for staff who may provide care and support.
- A **Code of Practice** sets the standards for content and delivery.
- **Visual supports** are a simple way to put training into practice.

## What is the requirement?

The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a requirement for CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff receive training on learning disability and autism, appropriate to their role.[2] The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government's preferred and recommended training for this.[1]

## What are Tier 1 and Tier 2?

| Tier | Who it's for |
| --- | --- |
| Tier 1 | Staff who need general awareness of the support autistic people or people with a learning disability may need |
| Tier 2 | Staff who may need to provide care and support for autistic people or people with a learning disability |

## What does the Code of Practice do?

The Code of Practice sets out the standards training should meet, in content and delivery, and supports providers to meet the legal requirement. CQC uses it when assessing whether providers have met the requirement.[2]

## How can services go further for autistic children?

**Try:**
- Visual appointment schedules: what will happen, in order
- Quiet waiting options
- Asking families what helps before the visit
- Clear, short language and extra time

**Skip:**
- Surprises during procedures
- Crowded, noisy waiting areas without alternatives

**Picture the visit.** A simple visual schedule (arrive, wait, check-up, finished) can make health appointments much easier for autistic
  children.

**Bringing visual supports to your service?.** We'd be glad to talk about how The Autism Kit could fit your service. [Talk to us](https://theautismkit.com/schools#contact)

## What can we do next?

- [ ] Check which staff need Tier 1 and Tier 2
- [ ] Book training and track completion
- [ ] Add one visual support to a common appointment

## Common questions

### Who needs Tier 1 and who needs Tier 2?

Tier 1 is for staff who need general awareness of the support autistic people or people with a learning disability may need. Tier 2 is for staff who may need to provide care and support.

### Is it free?

The e-learning part is available free. Arrangements for the live sessions vary by area; check with your local integrated care board or training provider.

### Does it apply to schools?

The legal requirement applies to CQC-registered health and social care providers. Schools aren't covered by it, though many find autism training valuable.

## Sources

1. NHS England Workforce, Training and Education: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/current-projects/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism
2. Care Quality Commission: Mandatory training requirement on learning disability and autism. https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/nhs-trusts/brief-guides-inspection-teams/mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.