Now a Certified Oliver McGowan Trainer: Delivering Autism & Learning Disability Training
- Fab Training
- Sep 27
- 7 min read
Completing the Oliver McGowan Train the Trainer Course on Autism and Learning Disabilities
Danny Phillips recently completed the Train the Trainer course and is now a certified Oliver McGowan trainer. This qualification means Danny can deliver CQC compliant Autism and Learning Disability training to health and social care teams across the UK. The course, delivered by Eva and Sikho Dube from Enice Training at The Old Courthouse in Grays, Essex, marked not only two days of intensive learning, but also the beginning of a new chapter in Danny’s journey as an Oliver McGowan trainer. Here is his story…
I am delighted to share that I have successfully completed and passed this training, enabling me to begin delivering this vital programme to health and social care organisations across the UK.
This is more than just a qualification. It’s a commitment to improving awareness, understanding, and outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It’s about saving lives together.
What Is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Autism and Learning Disability training was introduced in response to the tragic death of Oliver McGowan, a young autistic man with a mild learning disability who died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication against his and his family’s wishes. His death highlighted a critical gap in understanding and awareness among health and social care staff, with devastating consequences.
Following tireless campaigning by Oliver’s mother, Paula McGowan OBE, and recognition by the UK Government, the Health and Care Act 2022 introduced mandatory training for health and social care staff. The Oliver McGowan programme is now the standardised, approved training for everyone working in these settings.
The training is designed to:
Increase understanding of learning disability and autism.
Challenge assumptions, stereotypes, and unconscious bias.
Provide practical strategies for improving communication and care.
Empower staff to make safer, more inclusive decisions.
Reduce health inequalities faced by autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
In short, it is about giving staff the knowledge and confidence they need to deliver care that is not only legally compliant, but compassionate and person-centred.
Why This Training Matters
For far too long, people with learning disabilities and autistic people have experienced poor treatment, neglect, and avoidable harm within health and social care. Oliver’s story is one of many that illustrate the urgent need for change.
Statistics tell us that:
People with learning disabilities die, on average, 20 years younger than the general population.
Autistic people are at significantly higher risk of mental health conditions and premature death.
Many of these deaths are preventable and linked directly to poor communication, lack of reasonable adjustments, and inadequate understanding among professionals.
The Oliver McGowan Autism and Learning Disability training addresses these issues head-on. It is not a tick-box exercise, but a cultural shift towards better practice, dignity, and respect. For organisations, it is also a matter of compliance.
Meeting CQC Compliance Requirements with Oliver McGowan Autism Training - CQC compliant training
In England, all health and social care providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent government authority responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and rating services. The CQC ensures that organisations delivering health or social care meet essential standards of quality and safety.
Part of the CQC’s remit is to ensure that providers deliver safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care. To achieve this, staff must be properly trained to meet the needs of people who use their services.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the only government-approved programme on learning disability and autism. It is explicitly recognised as essential CQC compliant training for health and social care providers. That means organisations who fail to train their staff risk not only failing inspections but, more importantly, putting the people they support at risk.
By completing this training, providers can demonstrate to the CQC that they are meeting their statutory obligations under the Health and Care Act 2022 and embedding good practice into everyday care.
What the Train the Trainer Autism Course Involved
Over the two days in Essex, Eva and Sikho Dube delivered the course with exceptional professionalism, clarity, and passion. Their expertise created a supportive learning environment that encouraged reflection, discussion, and practical application.
We explored:
The legislative framework underpinning the training.
Real-life scenarios and case studies, highlighting both best practice and avoidable failings.
Practical teaching methods for engaging different staff groups.
Assessment and delivery standards, ensuring consistent quality across all training sessions.
What stood out most was the course’s balance of lived experience and professional knowledge. Hearing personal stories brought home the reality of why this training is so important, while the structured modules gave us the tools to deliver it effectively.
Passing the course was both a personal achievement and a responsibility. I left feeling not only more knowledgeable, but deeply motivated to make a difference.
Becoming a Certified Oliver McGowan Trainer
As a certified Oliver McGowan trainer, I can deliver autism and learning disability training that meets CQC compliance for health & social care organisations.
Tier 2 is for staff who provide direct care or support, including GPs, dentists, nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals.
A vital part of Tier 2 training is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with experts with lived experience of learning disability and autism. This is at the very core of the programme, because it allows participants to hear directly from people whose lives are most affected. Their insights and perspectives bring authenticity and depth that no textbook or slide deck could ever replicate.
For organisations, this means you can now access on-site Oliver McGowan training through FAB Training, delivered by someone who not only understands compliance requirements but is passionate about cultural change in health and social care, hands-on training with a qualified instructor, plus a certificate.
Saving Lives Together with Oliver McGowan Autism Training
The phrase “saving lives together” is more than a slogan. It captures the very heart of why this training exists. Every time a member of staff receives this training, the risk of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or unsafe decision-making is reduced.
It means:
Families can feel more confident that their loved ones will be treated with respect.
Individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people are more likely to have their voices heard.
Staff are empowered to make reasonable adjustments that save lives.
As I step into this role, I carry Oliver’s story with me as a reminder of what’s at stake. This workplace autism training is about honouring his life and ensuring that no other family has to endure what his did.
Meeting the Legal Requirement: Why CQC Compliant Autism and Learning Disability Training Matters
At FAB Training, we specialise in delivering on-site training for health and social care providers, GP practices, and dental surgeries. Adding the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to our portfolio means we can now help organisations meet this legal and CQC compliance requirement with ease and confidence.
What you can expect from us:
On-site delivery at your workplace – all you need is a room and your team.
Nationwide coverage with flexible scheduling.
Tailored sessions for health, dental, and social care environments.
Cost-effective group booking options, making compliance achievable for every organisation.
A focus on quality, engagement, and impact – not just ticking a box.
We take pride in removing the stress from compliance training and supporting organisations to embed best practice in a meaningful way.
Delivering the Oliver McGowan Autism Training: A National Commitment to Safer, More Inclusive Care
Completing the Train the Trainer course has given me the confidence, skills, and authorisation to deliver this vital programme. More importantly, it has strengthened my determination to play a role in creating safer, more inclusive health and social care services.
The journey doesn’t stop here. This is just the beginning of rolling out the training to organisations across the country. Every session delivered is a step closer to reducing inequalities, preventing avoidable harm, and saving lives.
If your organisation has not yet arranged Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training for your staff, now is the time to act. This vital programme not only protects the people you support, but also ensures your service meets health and social care compliance training requirements and is fully prepared for CQC inspection.
Why the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Matters Now More Than Ever
Oliver’s story is a powerful reminder that change is not optional. Under the Health and Care Act 2022, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is now a legal requirement for all health and social care staff in England. But this training goes far beyond compliance, it is about dignity, safety and understanding.
Recent comments by Donald Trump, linking autism to debunked causes as part of his inflammatory marketing tactics, are not just misleading. They actively undermine Autistic people, damage public understanding and risk delaying progress towards safer, more inclusive care. This is exactly why consistent, evidence-based training is so essential across our sector.
I am proud to have completed the Train the Trainer programme and have become an official Oliver McGowan trainer and now delivering this vital training with the energy, empathy and professionalism it deserves. Each session is a step toward better outcomes, fewer assumptions and more respectful care.
If your organisation has not yet arranged the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, now is the time. This programme is part of the NHS mandatory training standards, helping to raise care quality, protect lives, and ensure both legal and moral responsibilities are met.
If you would like to discuss arranging Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training for your team, please get in touch with us at FAB Training on 07944 799626 or email us today.
Saving lives together starts here.
FAB Training – Saving Lives Together
Danny Phillips
Founder & Director
FAQ's
What is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?
It is the government-backed training programme designed to improve care for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Does Oliver McGowan training meet CQC compliance?
Yes. It forms part of mandatory training for health and social care staff, helping organisations meet CQC requirements.
How can I book Danny Phillips as an Oliver McGowan trainer?
Contact FAB Training on 07944799626 to arrange CQC compliant autism and learning disability training tailored for your organisation.
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