Understanding the Different Tiers of Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
- Train Direct
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism was introduced to improve the knowledge and understanding of health and social care staff when supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability. The training is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death highlighted the consequences of inadequate understanding and inappropriate care.
The training is now recognised as the government’s preferred and recommended training package for health and social care staff and supports the statutory requirements introduced through the Health and Care Act 2022.
Why the Training Matters
The aim of the training is to ensure staff can provide safe, compassionate and informed care. It focuses on improving communication, recognising reasonable adjustments, reducing health inequalities and understanding the lived experiences of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
A key feature of the programme is that it is co-delivered by trainers with lived experience, including autistic people and people with a learning disability.
The Different Training Tiers
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is divided into two main training packages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The tier required depends on an employee’s role and level of responsibility.
Tier 1 Training
Who Tier 1 Is For
Tier 1 is designed for staff who need a general awareness and understanding of autistic people and people with a learning disability. This usually includes staff who may have contact with individuals but are not directly responsible for delivering ongoing care or support.
Examples may include:
• Administrative staff
• Reception teams
• Porters and facilities staff
• Volunteers
• Non-clinical support staff
What Tier 1 Covers
Tier 1 focuses on:
• Understanding what autism is
• Understanding what a learning disability is
• Recognising hidden or invisible disabilities
• Understanding reasonable adjustments
• Reflecting on attitudes and behaviours
• Improving communication and inclusion
What Is Needed to Complete Tier 1
To successfully complete Tier 1, learners must complete:
1. A 90-minute e-learning module
2. A one-hour live online interactive session
The interactive session is co-delivered by:
• an autistic person
• a person with a learning disability
• a trained facilitator
Both elements must be completed for the training to count as fully achieved.
Tier 2 Training
Who Tier 2 Is For
Tier 2 is intended for staff who directly provide care, treatment or support to autistic people or people with a learning disability.
This may include:
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Allied health professionals
• Social workers
• Care workers
• Support workers
• Clinical staff
• Therapists
Tier 2 is more detailed and practical than Tier 1 because staff are expected to apply the learning in direct care situations.
What Tier 2 Covers
Tier 2 includes everything from Tier 1 but goes further into:
• Communication approaches
• Diagnostic overshadowing
• Sensory differences
• Trauma-informed care
• Health inequalities
• Reducing restrictive practices
• Person-centred support
• Making reasonable adjustments in complex situations
What Is Needed to Complete Tier 2
To complete Tier 2, learners must complete:
1. The same 90-minute e-learning module
2. A full one-day face-to-face training course
The face-to-face training is co-delivered by:
• an autistic trainer
• a trainer with a learning disability
• an approved lead trainer or facilitator
Staff completing Tier 2 do not need to complete Tier 1 separately because Tier 2 already includes the Tier 1 content.
Understanding Capability Levels
Although the mandatory training itself is delivered as Tier 1 or Tier 2, the wider capability framework used nationally actually describes three capability levels.
Capability Tier 1
General awareness and understanding.
Capability Tier 2
Direct care and support responsibilities.
Trainer and Facilitator Pathways
There are also specialist training routes for people who wish to deliver Oliver McGowan training themselves.
These include:
• Tier 2 Facilitating Trainer courses
• Lead Trainer programmes
• Expert with Lived Experience Co-trainer programmes
These courses have additional requirements, such as:
• completion of the e-learning within the previous six months
• meeting trainer specification criteria
• professional experience or lived experience requirements
How Organisations Decide Which Tier Staff Need
Employers are expected to assess staff roles and responsibilities to determine the correct training level. In general:
• Staff needing awareness only complete Tier 1
• Staff delivering care or support complete Tier 2
The Care Quality Commission expects organisations to ensure training is appropriate to role and compliant with the statutory code of practice.
Conclusion
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training has become a key part of improving health and social care services across England. Its structured tier system ensures staff receive training relevant to their role, while the involvement of people with lived experience helps make the learning practical, meaningful and person-centred.
Completing the required e-learning and interactive components is essential for certification, and organisations must ensure staff are trained at the correct level to provide safe and inclusive care.
Book Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training with Train Direct
At Train Direct, we deliver approved Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to organisations across the health and social care sector.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism Tier 2 - From £89.00 per person | £1499.00 for a group of up to 30 - click here for more info
If you would like tailored advice or want to book health and social care training for your organisation, then visit www.traindirect.co.uk to learn more or contact our team to discuss your training requirements.
tel. 0330 223 5586,
email. info@traindirect.co.uk
or complete the form on our homepage to request a call back.
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