The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism – Tier 2 Learning Disability Co-Trainer

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the government’s preferred and standardised training programme for health and social care staff across England. Developed to improve workforce understanding, the training aims to improve understanding, reduce health inequalities, and ensure autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities receive safe, compassionate, and person-centred care.

A core principle of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is co-production and learning directly from people with lived experience. The Tier 2 Learning Disability Co-Trainer programme has therefore been specifically developed to support individuals with lived experience of a learning disability to become approved co-trainers within the official training framework.

This supportive and empowering programme helps delegates develop the confidence, communication skills, and understanding needed to safely and effectively contribute to the delivery of Tier 2 training sessions. Working as part of the approved “training trio” model, Learning Disability Co-Trainers play a vital role in helping professionals understand the barriers, challenges, and positive practices that impact the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Throughout the programme, delegates will explore how to share lived experiences meaningfully, contribute to group discussions, support reflective learning, and work collaboratively alongside a Facilitating Trainer and Autism Co-Trainer. The course creates a safe and inclusive environment where delegates are encouraged to develop confidence, build presentation and communication skills, and understand their important role within the delivery of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.

By completing this programme, delegates become part of a nationally recognised approach to improving care, reducing discrimination, and promoting inclusion across health and social care services.

Who This Course Is For

This programme is designed specifically for individuals with lived experience of a learning disability who wish to become approved Tier 2 Co-Trainers within the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training framework.

This includes:

• Individuals with lived experience of a learning disability
• Self-advocates and peer supporters
• Individuals passionate about improving services and reducing inequalities
• People interested in sharing their experiences to support workforce learning and development
• Individuals who want to contribute towards improving understanding within health and social care services

Delegates should feel comfortable participating in group discussions and sharing elements of their lived experience within a supportive training environment.

Key Learning Outcomes

By participating in this programme, delegates will develop confidence in how to:

Understand the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Framework

Gain an understanding of the purpose, structure, and importance of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training and how it supports improvements within health and social care services.

Share Lived Experience Safely and Effectively

Learn how to communicate lived experiences in meaningful, professional, and impactful ways that support learning and reflection.

Support Inclusive Learning Environments

Develop confidence in contributing to group discussions, reflective activities, and collaborative learning alongside trainers and learners.

Work as Part of the “Training Trio”

Understand the role of the Learning Disability Co-Trainer within the approved co-delivery model alongside a Facilitating Trainer and Autism Co-Trainer.

Promote Rights, Inclusion, and Person-Centred Practice

Help learners better understand the importance of dignity, inclusion, communication, reasonable adjustments, and person-centred approaches within health and social care.

Build Confidence and Communication Skills

Develop confidence in public speaking, communication, engagement, and contributing to workforce development and cultural change.

Flexible Delivery to Suit Your Organisation

This programme is delivered in a supportive and interactive face-to-face environment designed to maximise participation, confidence-building, and collaborative learning.

Face-to-Face Delivery – 3 Days

Delivered using the official Oliver McGowan training framework and approved co-production model. Sessions include discussion, group activities, reflective learning, scenario exploration, and supported opportunities for delegates to contribute their lived experiences within training activities.

Training is delivered by approved Oliver McGowan trainers and supports delegates throughout the learning process in a safe, inclusive, and accessible manner.

Important Details

Nationally Recognised Training

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government’s preferred and standardised training programme for learning disability and autism across health and social care settings in England and is delivered in accordance with the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice.

Co-Production and Lived Experience

This programme recognises the importance of lived experience in shaping workforce understanding, reducing stigma, and improving care outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Supportive Learning Environment

Training is delivered in a supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment, with a focus on building confidence, communication skills, and participation at a pace appropriate to the learner.

Progression Opportunities

Following completion, delegates may have opportunities to work alongside approved Oliver McGowan training teams as Learning Disability Co-Trainers supporting the delivery of Tier 2 Mandatory Training sessions.

Preparation and Approval

Complete the Oliver McGowan e-learning before attending. Contact us to discuss support and accessibility needs. The three-day programme prepares people with a learning disability to co-deliver the learning disability session of Tier 2 alongside an approved Facilitating Trainer. Approval is subject to meeting the programme requirements.