Frequently Asked Questions About Mandatory Training
At Care Business Associate Training, we deliver essential healthcare training nationwide to help you build confident, compliant teams.
Mandatory training is the foundation of safe, high-quality care that meets all regulatory standards. In this guide, we’ll cover what mandatory training is, why it matters, and how to implement it effectively in health and social care settings.
What is Mandatory Training in Care?
Mandatory training consists of essential courses that equip healthcare staff with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, person-centred care.
It is a legal requirement for all Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered providers and forms the backbone of workforce competency and compliance.
To maintain high standards, staff must also complete regular refresher courses to ensure their skills remain current and aligned with best practices.
Why is Mandatory Training Important?
Mandatory training is vital for safeguarding everyone involved by ensuring staff have the right skills to deliver safe, high-quality care. It is a regulatory requirement set by bodies such as the CQC, making completion essential for compliance.
Selecting the right training provider is a crucial aspect of professional development. Quality training equips your team with the tools to minimise risks.
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What Health and Safety Training is Mandatory in the UK?
The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) sets out the essential health and safety training required for staff in health and social care settings.
Mandatory modules include:
- Health and Safety Awareness – Understanding workplace risks and safe practices
- Moving and Handling – Techniques to prevent injury when supporting individuals
- Infection Prevention and Control – Effective hygiene measures and correct use of PPE
- Fire Safety – Prevention strategies and emergency response procedures
- Food Hygiene – Safe food handling and preparation (where relevant)
- First Aid and Basic Life Support – CPR and emergency first aid
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) – Safe use and storage of chemicals
- Safeguarding Adults and Children – Protecting vulnerable individuals and understanding legal duties
Employers are responsible for ensuring staff complete these modules to uphold safety standards on the floor.
What is Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?
Introduced under the Health and Care Act 2022, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is a specialised, statutory programme.
Unlike general health and safety training, this course focuses on building awareness and understanding around autism and learning disabilities—encouraging respectful, person-centred, and inclusive support.
Key Facts:
- Mandatory from April 2025 for all CQC-registered care providers.
- Developed with lived experience at its core—ensuring those directly affected by services shape how care is delivered.
- Named after Oliver McGowan, a young man whose tragic and preventable death underscored the urgent need for better training in the health and care system.
Two-tier Delivery Model:
Tier 1 – General awareness training delivered via interactive online sessions.
Tier 2 – In-depth, face-to-face training for staff with direct care responsibilities, co-delivered by trainers with lived experience of autism and learning disabilities.
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Does Mandatory Training Count as CPD in UK Healthcare?
Yes, mandatory training does count as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in UK healthcare when it contributes to maintaining or improving your professional skills and knowledge.
Regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) recognise that mandatory training—such as safeguarding, infection control, and health and safety—is essential for safe, effective practice and counts towards CPD requirements.
To ensure it counts towards your CPD, keep records of completed courses, certificates, and reflect on how the training supports your role and professional growth.
How to Implement Mandatory Training Successfully
- Assess training needs based on staff roles and regulatory requirements
- Partner with accredited providers experienced in health and social care
- Schedule regular refresher training to keep skills updated and maintain compliance
- Use blended learning approaches, combining online modules with face-to-face sessions for better engagement
- Track completion and competency records to support audits and continuous improvement
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within your team
Need Help With Your Mandatory Training?
At Care Business Associate Training, we provide tailored, expert-led training designed to keep your team confident, competent, and compliant.
Whether you need support with your training matrix or Oliver McGowan training, we’re here to assist with your training needs.
Get in touch today to find out how we can support your organisation.