Oliver McGowan Code of Practice: Guidance for Care Providers
Why this Code matters
Since 6 September 2025, the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice became law. From this point forward, all CQC-registered health and social care providers must ensure that staff receive training in how to support autistic people and people with a learning disability.
This change is more than compliance paperwork. It is a cultural shift designed to make services safer, fairer and more person-centred. The Code was created in response to the tragic death of Oliver McGowan, a young man whose needs were misunderstood, leading to preventable harm. His story is the reason this training now has statutory weight, and why every provider is expected to take it seriously.
What the Code requires
Under the Health and Care Act 2022, providers must ensure that every member of staff receives training appropriate to their role. This training follows a tiered approach: Tier 1 is aimed at staff who may only occasionally come into contact with autistic people or people with a learning disability, while Tier 2 is designed for staff providing direct support.
Each programme must include both e-learning and live training. The e-learning element provides a consistent foundation of knowledge, while the live sessions — whether a one-hour workshop for general staff or a full day for frontline teams and leaders — give staff the opportunity to reflect, ask questions and learn directly from people with lived experience. Training must also be quality assured and refreshed at least every three years, ensuring knowledge stays current.
How CQC will check compliance
CQC will not just be looking at whether training exists on paper. Inspectors will review training plans and logs, but they will also talk to staff to see if the learning has actually been embedded in practice. They will expect evidence that training is relevant to each role, delivered in line with the Code’s requirements and linked to the Core Capabilities Frameworks for autism and learning disability.
If inspectors find that training is missing, outdated, or not applied in practice, providers could face action under Regulation 18: Staffing. Shortcomings in training could also be seen as a breach of other regulations, such as person-centred care, safeguarding, or safe treatment, if gaps put people at risk.
Auditing your training provision
For providers, the first step is to carry out a training audit. This means looking at what you already have in place, comparing it against the Code, and identifying gaps. Ask yourself: does our current training cover appropriate interaction with autistic people and people with a learning disability? Does it include both e-learning and live elements? Has it been co-produced with people who bring lived experience? Is it refreshed regularly?
Once gaps are identified, providers need to assign the correct tier of training to every role, update or replace training where needed, and keep accurate records. Inspectors will want to see evidence not only of training completion but also of the reasoning behind decisions — for example, why some staff may not be required to complete certain elements.
Funding to support providers
The government has recognised the scale of this change and has confirmed funding through the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). All training completed between April 2025 and March 2026 can be reimbursed. Importantly, this funding is ring-fenced specifically for Oliver McGowan training and is separate from other training budgets. What happens after March 2026 has not yet been confirmed, so providers should take advantage of the support available now.
Why this is good news for care services
Although the Code introduces new compliance requirements, it brings real benefits too. Staff will feel more confident in their roles, knowing how to support people respectfully and safely. Services will see fewer incidents of misunderstanding or distress, leading to better experiences for people and their families. From a compliance perspective, providers will be better prepared for inspection, with clear evidence of training and competence. And importantly, services that embrace the Code demonstrate a genuine commitment to equity and dignity in care. Find out more here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oliver McGowan training mandatory?
Yes. Since September 2025, it has been a statutory requirement for all CQC-registered providers.
Do we have to use the official Oliver McGowan training package?
Not necessarily. You can choose other programmes, but they must meet the Code’s standards for content, delivery and quality assurance.
How often does training need to be refreshed?
At least every three years, although some providers may decide to do so more frequently.
How will CQC check compliance?
They will review your training records, interview staff, and ensure the programme aligns with the Code and the Core Capabilities Frameworks.
Final thoughts
The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice is not just a legal requirement. It is a commitment to safer, more inclusive care. For providers, the next step is clear: audit your current training, close the gaps, make use of available funding, and prepare your teams for inspection.
Most importantly, remember that this Code is about people, not paperwork. By implementing it well, you are helping to ensure that every person with a learning disability or autism receives the safe, respectful and person-centred care they deserve.
To discuss accredited delivery of Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (Tier 1 and Tier 2) co-produced with people with lived experience, get in touch with our team today.