The UK Government has released the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice, which provides new guidelines for health and care providers to train staff in caring for people with learning disabilities and autism.

This initiative aims to ensure safer, more tailored care by equipping staff with the necessary skills to understand and meet the requirements of these individuals.

UK Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.”

The Code of Conduct stipulates the benchmarks that providers must meet to comply with the law and safeguard patients.

It addresses the poorer health outcomes faced by those with learning disabilities or autism compared to the general population.

The training bears the name of Oliver McGowan, whose tragic death highlighted the need for specialised training in this area.

The Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care will back the training with funding in Autumn 2025.

Costs will be reimbursed for the providers organising training for their staff from April 2025 to March 2026.

The Health and Care Act 2022 mandated that Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered health and care providers train their staff in caring for people suffering from learning disabilities or autism.

Oliver McGowan's case, where he was prescribed medication that led to severe side effects and his subsequent death, underscores the critical need for this training.

Oliver's parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, have been instrumental in advocating for better training to enhance the understanding of the requirements of people with learning disabilities or autism.

Paul and Tom McGowan said: “The Code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services.”