Understand the individual
Build knowledge while recognising that each person has their own experiences, strengths, routines and preferences.
Staff training
Better understanding.
More thoughtful support.
Our staff undertake The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. It strengthens the understanding behind support that respects each person’s voice, choices and needs.
Our featured programme
The Oliver McGowan
Mandatory Training
on Learning Disability and Autism
Learning disabilityAutismPerson-centred support
Learning from lived experience.
The programme is co-developed and co-delivered with autistic people and people with a learning disability. Their perspectives help staff understand how communication, assumptions and everyday interactions can affect someone’s care.
It is named in memory of Oliver McGowan, whose story and family’s campaigning helped drive the call for better training.
About the NHS training (opens in a new tab)Knowledge in everyday care
Listen closely.
Understand more.
Respond thoughtfully.
The programme explores learning disability, autism, communication and reasonable adjustments. These themes matter in the small, everyday moments of support.
Communicate with care
Consider how information and conversations can be made easier to understand, with time and space for a person’s own voice.
Make practical adjustments
Understand how changes to communication and the way support is provided can help meet someone’s individual needs.
The programme’s two tiers
Learning suited
to each role.
The appropriate tier depends on a staff member’s responsibilities. Both routes combine e-learning with live learning involving people with lived experience.
General awareness
For staff who need a general understanding of the support autistic people and people with a learning disability may need.
The learning routeE-learning followed by a one-hour live online interactive session.
Providing care and support
For staff whose role involves providing care or support to autistic people and people with a learning disability.
The learning routeE-learning followed by a full day of face-to-face training.
E-learning is the first part of the programme; the relevant live session is also needed to complete the training.
Find out more
Clear information.
Space for questions.
Families and professionals are welcome to ask about the training relevant to a person’s support. Start a conversation with our team.