This briefing outlines the current position regarding the statutory requirement for Learning Disability and Autism training (Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training or equivalent) for CQC-registered general practices.
Summary of Requirements
Since 1st July 2022, all CQC-registered providers, including general practices, have been legally required to ensure staff receive training in learning disability and autism.
As of 6th September 2025, the training must now meet the standards set out in the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice.
Training must be appropriate to role:
- Tier 1 – for staff with occasional contact
- Tier 2 – for staff with regular or direct contact (including non-clinical roles such as receptionists)
N.B. Current information and interpretation of the Code would suggest that the majority of practice staff would be expected to undertake Tier 2 training.
Relevant Legislation
The statutory requirement was introduced under the Health and Care Act 2022 (Section 181)
The Oliver McGown Code of Practice came into force on 6th September 2025 having been laid before parliament for 40 days without objection.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has confirmed that it will assess compliance under:
- Regulation 9 – Staffing
- Regulation 18 – Person-centered care
Current Training Offer
The ICB has recently offered access to Tier 1 and Tier 2 training.
However:
- Training places are now being charged to practices
- There is no backfill funding to cover the cost of releasing staff.
Practices are therefore expected to fund both the cost of training attendance and staff time away from work with this offer*.
*At the time of writing, this training offer is currently paused, pending further information in regards to funding and primary care rollout in other areas
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