New code of practice on learning disability and autism training

The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice, which sets training standards on learning disability and autism for CQC-registered health and social care providers and their staff, came into force on 6 September 2025. Its launch marks a major step forward in improving care and treatment for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

The code supports the implementation of the statutory training requirement on learning disability and autism as outlined in section 181 of the Health and Care Act 2022. This requires that training must be appropriate to an individual’s role, ensuring staff possess the necessary skills and behaviours to provide safe, confident, and respectful support for people with a learning disability and autistic individuals.

Additionally, the code details The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, which is the government’s preferred and recommended training package for registered providers to meet this legal requirement. The training has been piloted with over 8,000 participants and independently evaluated to confirm its high quality.

Staff are expected to complete one of two tiers of the training package, depending on their specific responsibilities. The code includes illustrative examples mapping roles to these tiers, assisting employers in determining the appropriate level of capability required for their workforce. Providers are responsible for ensuring that staff complete the training at least every three years, or more frequently where necessary.

Applying the Code

During inspections, the CQC will assess compliance with the code and evaluate how registered providers fulfil these requirements. The regulator will consider the code when making determinations about registration, including adherence to staff training standards specified in Regulation 18 of the Health and Social Care Act (2008) Regulated Activities 2014.

CQC will also consider a provider’s learning disability and autism training under these quality statements:

• Safe and effective staffing – the safe key question
• Governance, management and sustainability – the well-led key question 

Section 1 of the code outlines four essential strands of training that registered providers must satisfy. Adherence to the code enables providers to demonstrate compliance with mandatory training requirements for learning disability and autism.

Should a registered provider fail to meet these legal requirements under the 2014 Regulations, the CQC may undertake enforcement action. In reaching such decisions, the CQC will evaluate alignment with the code and assess the extent of provider compliance. Providers must justify any deviations from the code and, where necessary, evaluate whether sufficient protections remain in place for people with a learning disability and autistic individuals.

CQC has published a guide to the mandatory training requirement on learning disability and autism, setting out:

• What it expects from providers
• How they assess this training requirement
• If they have concerns
• If the requirement isn’t being met

Do contact Amanda Narkiewicz if you would like to discuss any of the issues raised here or require support on a CQC matter.