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The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism will ensure staff working in health and social care receive learning disability and autism training, at the right level for their role. They will have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Oliver McGowan died in 2016 after he was given anti-psychotic medication against his own and his parents’ wishes and despite medical records showing he had an intolerance to anti-psychotics.

Oliver's death could have been prevented along with many others. 

In November 2019, the Government published 'Right to be heard' its response to the consultation on proposals for introducing mandatory learning disability and autism training for health and social care staff.

The response included a commitment to develop a standardised training package. The training will draw on existing best practice, the expertise of autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers as well as subject matter experts.

Health Education England (HEE) and Skills for Care are co-ordinating the development of training in both health and social care. The training is being co-produced and delivered by autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers.

Be Well Learning are proud to be selected as a training delivery partner with Royal Mencap Society's consortium in these trials. Be Well will deliver across Liverpool City Region and Cheshire from July to November 2021. What this means is free training (funded by Health Education England) for anyone working in health and social care. There are two tiers of training available. 

Edel Harris, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said:

“At least 1,200 people with a learning disability die avoidably each year when timely access to good quality healthcare could have saved them. Alongside our expert partners and colleagues with lived experience, we look forward to playing a role in Health Education England and Skills for Care's trials to develop the Oliver McGowan learning disability and autism mandatory training. Through co-design and delivery of training with people with a learning disability and family members, we will put people with lived experience at the heart of the training we trial – something that is key in changing attitudes and practice among health and care professionals and saving lives."