Adult social care providers registered with the CQC can now access government funding to support delivery of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on learning disability and autism. Under the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), providers who deliver the official training between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 may be eligible for reimbursement. This funding is only available for the government’s recommended training package and not for alternative models. To claim, providers must meet eligibility criteria and submit evidence of completion and payment. Updated guidance is available to support providers with the claims process. 

Under Regulation 18 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, care providers have been under a legal duty to ensure staff receive appropriate training for some time. This includes training on learning disabilities and autism, where relevant to staff roles.

The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a new statutory requirement for training in these areas and the Code of Practice is now in force. This means that it has now become statutory guidance that the CQC must consider in inspections and enforcement. Failure to comply with the Code could therefore result in poor inspection outcomes or, in serious cases, enforcement action.

The Code sets out the standards for mandatory training on learning disability and autism for all staff working in CQC-registered health and social care services in England. It outlines what constitutes appropriate training, including content, delivery, and application in practice. It introduces a tiered training structure based on staff roles and responsibilities and places the onus on providers to ensure training is suitable and effective.

The Code supports the implementation of the legal requirement by recommending the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training as the preferred model. However, providers may choose to deliver or procure alternative training, but they must be able to demonstrate that it is appropriate and meets the Code’s expectations. This is particularly relevant for services supporting older adults, where the available training may not feel tailored. In such cases, a risk-based analysis of the people you support and a clear rationale for your training choices will be essential.