Oliver McGowan tier 2 training: Evaluation summary
“A highly valued and impactful learning experience”
The delivery of the Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism continues to be extremely well-received across both the 60-minute webinar and the full day face-to-face sessions.
Attendees consistently describe the training as informative, engaging, and highly relevant to their work. A key strength highlighted in both formats is the inclusion of experts with lived experience, who it was noted, bring authenticity and a relatable perspective that makes the training relatable and impactful.
Attendees also praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic facilitators, who created an inclusive and supportive learning environments. Many participants noted that the session helped them to reframe their thinking around autism and learning disabilities, and to feel increased confidence in their approach to supporting individuals in their care.
Some attendees suggested improvements, including making the training more concise to avoid repetition, incorporating more interactive elements and adding in visual aids. A small number of participants also found the volume of content in the face-to-face training overwhelming at times.
Overall, the training has been recognised as an essential learning opportunity delivering both practical knowledge and meaningful reflection. Out of 3,941 evaluations, a significant 84% (3,338) rated their likelihood to recommend the Tier 2 training to a colleague as 8 or higher out of 10.
What attendees are saying:
“Hearing from people with lived experiences gave real insight into the daily challenges that people can face.”
“Very enlightening training and really helpful in re-examining your own working practices.”
“Very informative. It’s lovely to have the training delivered by people that not only understand the subject, but live it.”
“Some content is common knowledge and felt like a refresher to the online training. More interaction with the trainers would have helped.”
“The training increased my confidence in working with autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.”
“The best training day I have ever been on. Great to have the facilitators with experience.”
“The session was eye-opening, providing concrete ideas for improving interactions and support.”
“It was a very long day and quite repetitive. Could be condensed into a much shorter (or online) session.”
“Very well structured and informative with a relaxed atmosphere that helped learning.”
“Would encourage everyone to have this training, I believed my knowledge was at a good level, but it has increased.”
“The training was interesting and informative. Reframing my thinking about making reasonable adjustments.”
“More visual aids and more interaction would enhance engagement.“
Changes staff tell us they will make following Oliver’s training:
🧠 Personal attitudes and beliefs
- Rethink personal philosophy on life
- Be more patient
- Be more understanding
- Recognise and address bias
🕒 Flexibility and inclusivity
- Be more flexible with appointments:
- Buzzer system for entry
- Allow family members to attend
- Offer double appointments
- Provide first appointment of the day
🗣️ Communications and engagement
- Use “Ask, Listen, Do” approach
- Listen more to family members
- Communicate benefits of the Health Passport & Annual Health Checks
🧰 Tools and adjustments
- Provide a sensory box (e.g., fidgets, ear defenders)
- Consider creative, reasonable adjustments
📚 Ongoing learning and support
- Book additional training
- Arrange desensitization meetings
Good practice staff tell us they will implement following Oliver’s training:
🧰 Sensory and communication aids
- Sensory boxes in GP practices and hospital areas
- Use of Makaton and Sign-along
🧪 Desensitisation support
- Desensitisation for procedures (e.g., blood tests, cervical smears)
🕒 Appointment flexibility
- Buzzer system for appointments
- Offering first appointments of the day
📂 Shared information
- Putting Health Passport on shared systems