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

To satisfy the legal obligations regulated by the CQC, care providers must ensure their staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their roles. For organisations looking to deliver this high-stakes education efficiently in-house, the Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Facilitating Trainer course is the ultimate solution.

This 2-day face-to-face programme prepares suitable candidates to become approved facilitating trainers for the 1-day Tier 2 workforce training. Approval depends on successfully meeting the programme requirements; attendance alone does not guarantee approval. Over two intensive and highly collaborative days, candidates will deeply review both components of the Tier 2 framework — Learning Disability and Autism — while mastering how to present the content using the government’s official standardised training materials.

A significant focus of the programme is the mechanics of co-production. Delegates will learn how to successfully support, respect, and co-deliver sessions within a unified “training trio” alongside trainers with lived experience. Participants leave equipped with the advanced presentation skills, confidence, and regulatory knowledge needed to deliver high-quality, impactful training that drives meaningful change in practice and supports compliance with CQC expectations.

Who This Course Is For

This programme is specifically designed for individuals with an established background in health and social care education who are looking to become accredited internal trainers.

Ideal candidates include:

• In-house Training Managers and Officers
• Learning & Development (L&D) Leads
• Registered Care Managers
• Clinical Educators
• Experienced Support Leads taking ownership of statutory compliance

Key Learning Outcomes

Across this 2-day Train the Trainer programme, participants will learn how to:

Deliver Standardised Content

Gain full confidence in delivering both the morning Learning Disability component and the afternoon Autism component of the Tier 2 curriculum.

Co-Facilitate with Experts

Develop best practice approaches for co-producing and co-delivering training safely, respectfully, and equitably alongside co-trainers with lived experience.

Manage Classroom Dynamics

Build the skills required to navigate challenging discussions, answer complex questions, challenge unconscious bias, and explore important topics such as diagnostic overshadowing.

Maintain Quality Assurance

Understand how to accurately record training outcomes and ensure delivery aligns with CQC standards and the official Oliver McGowan Code of Practice.

Important Course Prerequisites

To maintain the high standards required for official accreditation, all delegates must meet the following criteria prior to attending:

• Possess a strong foundational knowledge of learning disabilities and autism, alongside previous training or presentation experience
• Complete the free 90-minute Oliver McGowan e-learning module via the NHS England platform within 6 months prior to the face-to-face training
• Meet the facilitating trainer person specification, attend both days and demonstrate the required knowledge and delivery skills

Delivery and Approval

Trainer training is delivered by an approved Tier 2 Lead Trainer with co-trainers who have lived experience. Once approved, a Facilitating Trainer must work with appropriately trained and approved co-trainers to deliver Tier 2. This course does not confer Lead Trainer status or authority to train new trainers.