How to choose an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training provider

Selecting an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (OMMT) provider can feel straightforward. Many providers describe their courses as accredited, quality-assured, CPD-certified, or aligned to the Oliver McGowan framework.

The challenge is that these terms do not necessarily mean the training meets the requirements of the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice.

For health and social care employers, choosing the wrong provider can create compliance risks, affect funding eligibility, and leave gaps in workforce development. It can also make it difficult to demonstrate compliance during a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

If you’re reviewing providers, these ten questions can help you make an informed decision.

Why choosing the Right OMMT provider matters

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training was introduced to improve understanding of learning disability and autism across health and social care services.

The Code of Practice sets out specific requirements around programme design, trainer approval, delivery methods and the involvement of Experts by Experience. Not every course marketed as learning disability and autism training meets these standards.

As an employer, responsibility for workforce compliance remains with your organisation.

Question 1 “Is the training delivered in accordance with the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice?”

This should be the first question you ask. A compliant provider should be able to explain exactly how their programme aligns with the Code of Practice, including:

• Delivery of Tier 1 and Tier 2 training.
• Involvement of Experts by Experience.
• Use of NHS England-approved trainers and co-trainers.
• Assessment and evaluation processes.

Be cautious of providers who use phrases such as “aligned to” or “based on” Oliver McGowan training without explaining how they meet the full requirements.

Question 2 “Is this Tier 1 or Tier 2 training?”

The two tiers serve different purposes. Tier 1 is designed for all health and social care staff. Tier 2 is intended for staff who provide direct care and support.

A credible provider should clearly explain the differences, who should attend each tier, and how the programmes are delivered.

Question 3 “How are experts by experience involved?”

One of the most misunderstood aspects of OMMT is the role of experts by experience. The Code of Practice requires active involvement from people with lived experience in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 delivery. Ask providers:

• How Experts by Experience participate in sessions.
• How they are recruited and supported.
• What role they play in shaping content.
• Whether they contribute to delivery rather than appearing only in pre-recorded content.

If a provider states that Expert by Experience involvement only applies to Tier 2, that should raise concerns.

Question 4 “Are your trainers NHS England approved?”

NHS England approval is a core requirement for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training delivery. Ask providers to explain:

• Which trainers hold approval.
• How approval is maintained.
• Whether co-trainers are also approved where required.

You should be able to see evidence rather than relying solely on assurances.

Question 5 “What evidence will we receive beyond certificates?”

Certificates confirm attendance. They do not necessarily demonstrate training quality, workforce impact or organisational compliance. Strong providers should also offer:

• Attendance records.
• Evaluation data.
• Delegate feedback.
• Evidence of learning outcomes.
• Governance reporting information.

These records can become important during inspections and internal audits.

Question 6 “How do you measure quality?”

Quality assurance should be built into every programme. Ask how providers:

• Monitor trainer performance.
• Collect participant feedback.
• Review course content.
• Implement improvements.

A structured quality framework demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.

Question 7 “How do you keep programmes up to date?”

Guidance and expectations continue to evolve. Providers should be actively monitoring developments from:

• NHS England.
• Skills for Care.
• CQC.
• Wider sector guidance.

Regular updates help ensure your workforce receives current and relevant training.

Question 8 “Can you support us during a CQC inspection?”

Training providers should do more than deliver courses. Ask what support they can provide if inspectors ask about:

• OMMT compliance.
• Governance arrangements.
• Workforce training records.
• Evidence of impact.

The strongest providers help organisations demonstrate compliance rather than simply issuing certificates.

Question 9 “How do you help organisations demonstrate governance?”

Increasingly, inspectors are interested in how organisations monitor and evaluate training effectiveness. Consider whether your provider can support:

• Compliance reporting.
• Workforce oversight.
• Training evaluation.
• Outcome measurement.

Governance is often where organisations discover gaps in their current approach.

Question 10 “If CQC inspected us tomorrow, what evidence would you provide?”

This may be the most revealing question of all. A provider with a strong understanding of compliance should be able to explain exactly what documentation, evidence and support they would provide. Look for clear answers covering:

• Trainer approvals.
• Expert by Experience involvement.
• Programme documentation.
• Evaluation data.
• Alignment with the Code of Practice.

If the answer begins and ends with certificates, you may want to look more closely.

Red flags to watch out for

When assessing providers, be cautious if they:

• Cannot explain the Code of Practice.
• Provide unclear information about Experts by Experience.
• Focus exclusively on certificates.
• Cannot explain funding eligibility.
• Have no visible quality assurance process.
• Offer little or no inspection support.

These warning signs can indicate deeper compliance issues.

The bottom line

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is more than a tick-box exercise. It is a key part of workforce development, compliance and quality improvement across health and social care.

Choosing the right provider can help strengthen governance, improve staff confidence and support better outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

If you’re unsure whether your current provision meets the requirements of the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice, speaking with an experienced provider can help identify potential gaps before they become a problem.

Need independent advice?

EdgeWorks™ works with health and social care organisations across the UK to support compliant Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training delivery and governance. Contact us to book a free 20-minute governance conversation to discuss your current provision and identify any areas for improvement.