Paula McGowan OBE joins Believe in People for a full, in-depth conversation about her son Oliver, whose death led to the introduction of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training across health and social care in England. Paula explains how people are too often doubted, judged, or written off in services, how distress is misread as behaviour or non-compliance, and how bias, fear, and rigid systems can escalate harm. Drawing directly from Oliver’s story, this conversation challenges professionals to reflect on power, responsibility, and what must change in everyday practice to prevent avoidable harm and loss of life.What Is The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training was introduced following Oliver’s death to address systemic failures where autistic people and people with a learning disability were not listened to, misunderstood, or harmed through avoidable mistakes. The training is now a legal requirement for health and social care staff in England.Information about the training and statutory expectations can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oliver-mcgowan-code-of-practice/the-oliver-mcgowan-draft-code-of-practice-on-statutory-learning-disability-and-autism-trainingTraining availability and booking information can be found here:https://www.olivermcgowantraining.com/book-trainingIf you found this episode of the Believe in People podcast valuable, please share it with colleagues and professionals who need to hear it. Subscribing, reviewing, and sharing helps this conversation reach the people who can make change happen.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE#believeinpeople #believeinpeoplepodcast #believeinpeopleextra #PaulaMcGowan #OliverMcGowanClick here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This podcast is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. If you want to change your direction, grow as a person, and live life to its full potential, Change Grow Live is here to help you. We’re here for you if you need help with challenges including drugs or alcohol, trouble with housing, domestic abuse, or your mental and physical wellbeing. Change Grow Live services are free and confidential. Click the link below to refer yourself to your local service. https://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service 📩 Podcast Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” by Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six) 🔗 Listen & Subscribe Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4Cr4wzZ6bxku1cRcoYKbGK Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/believe-in-people/id1617239923 ...

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