Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability and Autism
This page is for staff working in general practice in Dorset.
It explains:
- What training you need to complete
- Which tier to book
- How to book your place
- What to do if you need help
About the training
Understanding
changes
care
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training.
It was introduced following the Health and Care Act 2022, which requires regulated service providers to make sure staff receive learning disability and autism training that is right for their role.
The training is being delivered locally by People First Forum through their Led By Inclusion project.
Workshops are led by experienced and accredited trainers, including people with lived experience of learning disability and autism.
Step One – Everyone must complete the
e-learning first
All staff must complete the NHS England e-learning before attending Tier 1 or Tier 2 training.
This applies to everyone.
The elearning is part 1 of both Tier 1 and Tier 2.
The e-learning takes around 90 minutes to complete.
You will need to register on the NHS England e-learning platform and complete the module before booking or attending further training.
Complete the e-learning here:
Please keep a copy of your completion certificate or certificate number.*
Step Two – Choose the correct training tier
Once you have completed the e-learning, you need to book either Tier 1 or Tier 2.
You do not need to do both.
The right tier depends on your role and how much contact you have with patients.
Which tier should I book?
Tier 1: for all staff in non-clinical roles
This gives a general awareness of learning disability and autism.
Tier 1 is a one-hour live online webinar.
It is co-delivered by a person with a learning disability, an autistic person and a facilitator.
Tier 1 is usually suitable for:
- Admin staff
- Back-office staff
- Non-patient-facing support roles
- PCN operations or admin roles, if they do not involve direct patient contact
Tier 2: for clinical staff and some other relevant roles
Tier 2 is a one-day, face-to-face training session, co-delivered by a person with a learning disability, an autistic person and a facilitator.
Tier 2 is for staff who provide care, treatment or direct support to patients.
Tier 2 is usually suitable for:
- GPs
- Nurses
- Healthcare Assistants
- Allied Health Professionals
- Care coordinators and social prescribers, if they have direct patient contact
- Any clinical staff involved in patient care or support
Not sure which tier to book?
If your role is not providing care or support to patients, book Tier 1.
If your role involves direct patient care or support, book Tier 2.
Job title alone is not always enough. For example, care coordinator and reception roles can vary between practices.
If you are still unsure, please speak to your manager first. The table below provides a guide:
| Role Type | Likely Tier |
| GP | Tier 2 |
| Nurse / HCA/ AHP | Tier 2 |
| Care Coordinator | Tier 2 or 1 |
| Receptionist | Tier 1 |
| Admin / back-office | Tier 1 |
| PCN Operations/Admin | Tier 1 |
If you need further help, contact the Training Hub with your job title and a short description of what your role involves.
This is not a standard training course.
Sessions are co-delivered by people with lived experience of learning disability and autism, who take time to prepare and tailor the training.
Attendees may also be invited to submit questions in advance to help shape the discussion.
Please only book if you are able to attend the full session.
Each member of staff must book their own place.
Please do not book on behalf of colleagues.
This is important because:
- Attendance is recorded against each individual
- Certificates are issued personally
- Joining instructions are sent to the person attending
- Pre-learning completion is linked to the individual
Check availability
Booking your place
Current training dates
Tier 1: for all staff in non-clinical roles
Book on the links below on Eventbrite:
Tier 2: for clinical staff
Fully booked
- More Tier 2 booking dates coming soon. Keep an eye on your emails and/or the weekly Dorset general practice staff Primary Care Bulletin.
Venue details, parking information and joining instructions will be shared before the session.
If a session is full
If your chosen session is full, please add yourself to the waiting list through Eventbrite. Find out how on our FAQs.
The Training Hub cannot add people to the waiting list manually.
Joining the waiting list means your details are recorded correctly and you will be contacted if there is a cancellation and a place becomes available.
More dates are expected to be added throughout the year, including later in the year. To book on to these, keep an eye on your emails and/or the weekly Dorset general practice staff Primary Care Bulletin.
Remember that you must book your own space and to book quickly as spaces go fast.
You can also check this page regularly for new dates.
If you can no longer attend
Please let the Training Hub know as soon as possible if you can no longer attend.
This means your place can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
The training is currently provided free for general practice staff in Dorset. However, at least one week’s notice is required for cancellations where possible.
Failure to attend without a weeks notice may result in a charge.
Pre-learning and certificates
You must complete the NHS England e-learning before attending Tier 1 or Tier 2 training.
You may be asked to confirm that you have completed the e-learning when booking or before your session.
You may also be asked to provide your certificate number.
If you cannot find your certificate, please speak to your practice or organisation. In some cases, your organisation may be able to confirm that you have completed the training.
If the e-learning link is not working, please contact the Training Hub for help.
If you have a question about Oliver McGowan training, please contact dorsetpcth@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.
Before getting in touch, please check the FAQs below, as they answer many of the most common queries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be added to a waiting list?
You need to add yourself to the waiting list using the booking links below for your preferred date and location which takes you to the Eventbrite page.
You then have the option to add your details to a waiting list for cancellations.
- Tier 2 Cobham’s (Merley) 7th July Full booked (wait list available)
- Tier 2 Salvation Army (Boscombe) 15th July Fully booked (wait list available)
- Tier 2 Dorford Centre (Dorchester) 8th September Fully booked (wait list available)
- Tier 2 Salvation Army (Boscombe) 16th September Fully booked (wait list available)
- Tier 2 Cobham’s (Merley) 28th October Fully booked (wait list available)
Screenshot below to show where the Join Waitlist button will be on the Eventbrite event.
Are more dates planned?
Yes. More dates are expected to be added during the year.
Tier 2 sessions can fill quickly, so please book early where possible.
Can I book for someone else?
No. Each person must book their own place.
What if I booked the wrong tier?
Please contact the Training Hub.
They can cancel your current place and advise you on what to do next.
Do I need to complete the e-learning first?
Yes. Everyone must complete the NHS England e-learning before attending Tier 1 or Tier 2 training.
What if I cannot find my e-learning certificate?
Please check your NHS England e-learning account first.
If you still cannot find it, speak to your practice or organisation.
*I can’t find my e-learning certificate number
The certificate number isn’t on the certificate itself. It’s included in the actual file description.
Below is a screenshot. The certificate number is the final bit that includes the date.
What if I cannot attend?
Please contact the Training Hub as soon as possible so your place can be offered to someone else.
What if I have made a duplicate booking?
Please contact the Training Hub so they can check your booking and remove any duplicates.
Is lunch provided for Tier 2?
Yes usually but this may vary by venue.
Please check your joining instructions before attending. If you are unsure, you may wish to bring lunch with you.