Mandatory Training
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
MDT Online is a proud Oliver McGowan Campaign Organisation, delivering the nationally mandated training for health and social care staff on learning disabilities and autism.
Essential Pre-Reading
Before you begin — please read Oliver's story
This is important for everyone starting Tier 1 or Tier 2 training.
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training exists because of Oliver — a young man with a learning disability and autism whose death was preventable. Understanding his story is not just background reading; it is the foundation of why this training matters and what it asks of every health and social care professional who takes it.
Please take the time to watch the video below and read about Oliver before you begin either tier of training. It will help you approach the learning with the care, empathy and commitment it deserves.
Who was Oliver McGowan?
Oliver McGowan was a young man from Bristol with a learning disability and autism. He was passionate about football, gaming and spending time with his family. In November 2016, aged just 18, Oliver died after being given antipsychotic medication he had previously reacted badly to — and which he and his family had explicitly asked not to be prescribed.
Why does this training carry his name?
Oliver's family campaigned tirelessly for change. His mother, Paula McGowan OBE, worked with the government to ensure that every health and social care worker in England receives training on learning disability and autism. This training is his legacy — and a commitment that what happened to Oliver will not happen to others.
Need an Easy Read version?
Our Easy Read page explains Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training and all our services in simple, clear language with supporting images.
What is Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government's preferred and mandated training for health and social care staff. It was developed following the tragic death of Oliver McGowan, a young man with a learning disability and autism who died after being given medication he had previously reacted badly to.
The training is designed to give health and social care staff the skills, knowledge and confidence to provide the best possible care and support for autistic people and people with a learning disability. It is delivered in two tiers — Tier 1 is an online awareness module, and Tier 2 is a face-to-face or online interactive session co-delivered by a trainer and a co-trainer with lived experience.
As a registered Campaign Organisation, MDT Online is committed to making this training accessible, meaningful and impactful for every organisation we work with.
Tier 1 — Online Awareness
An online e-learning module suitable for all health and social care staff. Covers the basics of learning disability and autism awareness, communication, and person-centred approaches. Completed via the e-Learning for Health (e-LfH) portal.
Access Tier 1 TrainingTier 2 — Interactive Training
A face-to-face or online interactive session co-delivered by a lead trainer and a co-trainer with lived experience of learning disability or autism. Designed for staff who have more direct contact with people who have a learning disability or are autistic.
Enquire about Tier 2?How to register for Tier 1 training
- 1Visit the e-Learning for Health (e-LfH) portal at portal.e-lfh.org.uk
- 2Click "Register" in the top right corner to create a free account. You will need a valid email address.
- 3Once registered and logged in, search for "Oliver McGowan" in the search bar to find the Tier 1 module.
- 4Select "Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: Tier 1" and click "Launch" to begin the online module.
- 5On completion you will receive a certificate. Please save or print this for your records.
Need help? If you have any difficulty registering or accessing the module, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist.
Decision guides
Which training do I need?
Use the pathway guides below to understand whether you need to complete Tier 1, Tier 2, or both — based on your role and the people you support.
Tier 1 Pathway
Online awareness training for all health and social care staff — regardless of whether you directly support people with a learning disability or autism.
Tier 2 Pathway
Face-to-face training for staff who provide direct, hands-on care and support to people with a learning disability and/or autism.
Not sure which tier applies to your role? The pathway guides above set out the decision criteria clearly. If you are still unsure after reading them, please contact our team — we are happy to advise.
Tier 2 Training Pricing
Face-to-face, 1-day delivery. All prices exclude VAT. Group rate covers up to 12 delegates.
15% limited-time discount applied to all Tier 2 rates below. Book now to secure this price.
Per Person
Per delegate · 1 full day · face-to-face
Group Rate
Up to 12 delegates · 1 full day · face-to-face
All prices exclude VAT. Travel costs may apply for locations outside the West Midlands — please contact us for a tailored quote.
Our Oliver McGowan Training Team
Oliver McGowan Lead Trainer
Lead Trainer
Our lead trainer is an experienced health and social care professional with specialist knowledge in learning disability and autism. They lead all Tier 2 sessions and ensure every delivery meets the national standards set out in the Oliver McGowan programme.
Co-Trainer with Lived Experience
Liam Sweeney
Liam is our Co-Trainer on the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programme, bringing his own lived experience to every session. His contribution is central to making the training real, personal and impactful for health and social care staff.
Become a Co-Trainer
Co-trainers are people with a learning disability or who are autistic, who share their lived experience as part of the Tier 2 training delivery. Their involvement is central to the Oliver McGowan programme — it's what makes the training genuinely different.
If you would like to become a Co-Trainer with us, we'd love to hear from you. We provide full support, training and payment for your time. Please get in touch or download the easy read job description below to find out more.
Ready to book Oliver McGowan Training?
Get in touch with our team to discuss Tier 2 delivery for your organisation, or register for Tier 1 via the e-Learning for Health portal.