Skills for Care Update: Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism (Oliver's Training) aims to provide the social care and health workforce with the right skills and knowledge to provide safe, compassionate, and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability.

Research has shown that on average, people with a learning disability and autistic people die earlier than the general public, and do not receive the same quality of care as other people. Evidence suggests that effective training can bring about changes in the way people work and drastically reduce these inequalities. 

The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a requirement that all CQC-registered service providers must ensure their staff have training on learning disability and autism that is appropriate to their role. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the Government’s preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff to undertake.

Funding

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed the funding arrangements and reimbursement rates to support the rollout of ‘Oliver’s Training’, as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). Training completed between April 2025 and March 2026 will be eligible for reimbursement, on a first-come, first-served basis.  

This funding is specific to Oliver’s Training and is separate from the overall LDSS funding already available for other training and qualifications.  

Webinar

Skills for Care is hosting a national webinar with DHSC, CQC, NHSBSA and NHSE on 13th November on the Oliver’s Training code of practice, regulatory requirements, and details on the funding process and reimbursement rates.

Click here to find out more.