The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on statutory learning disability and autism training was updated on 19^th June 2025 and will become official on 6^th September 2025, following a 40-day parliamentary period.

This Code sets out clear expectations for learning disability and autism training across all CQC Registered health and social care providers and their staff. It supports better understanding, communication, and care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

Why Is This Important?

Once in effect, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will use this Code to assess whether providers are meeting registration requirements—particularly around staff training.

Key Points for Providers:

• All staff in regulated services must have the skills to support people with a learning disability and autistic people—even if they don’t provide direct care.
• Training must include:
  • A minimum of 1 hour of live and interactive training for general staff
  • At least 1 full day of in-person training for those in care roles or leadership positions
  • 90 minutes of mandatory e-learning for everyone
• Training must be:
  • Co-produced and co-delivered by people with lived experience
  • Independently accredited and quality assured
  • Reviewed at least every 3 years
• The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the government’s preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff that meets the above requirements

What Care 4 Quality Is Doing

We’re updating our:

• Mock inspections to include checks on Code compliance from 6^th September
• Training matrix and policy template updates by late August

Our team is here to help providers prepare and remain compliant with the new standards.

👉 Read the full Code here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oliver-mcgowan-code-of-practice