Overview

This bill mandates specialist training on learning disabilities and autism for all health and social care staff in England undertaking regulated activities. It requires the Secretary of State to create and publish a code of practice outlining the training's content, delivery, and accreditation, ensuring it's co-produced and co-delivered with those who have lived experience.

Description

The bill amends the Health and Social Care Act 2008, making specialist training in learning disabilities and autism mandatory for all relevant staff. This training must be in-person and appropriate to each staff member's role.

Code of Practice

The Secretary of State will create a code of practice detailing the training's content, which must include the most up-to-date Learning Disability Core Skills Education and Training Framework and Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People. The code will cover training content, levels required across roles, co-delivery, accreditation, procurement, monitoring, evaluation, and implementation across providers. The code requires parliamentary approval before being issued and will be reviewed every three years.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms such as "learning disability," "autism," "specialist training," and "in-person" training, specifying that "in-person" explicitly excludes digital delivery. "Specialist training" must be co-produced and co-delivered by individuals with lived experience or family members of those with these conditions and be accredited.

Implementation

Sections 1 and 3 of the Act will come into effect 18 months after it is passed, while Section 2 (the code of practice) will come into effect after six months.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with developing and implementing the code of practice, monitoring its effectiveness, and potentially supporting training providers.

Groups Affected

• Health and social care staff in England: Required to undertake mandatory training, potentially impacting their workload and requiring time away from other duties.
• Individuals with learning disabilities and autism: Potentially benefit from improved care and support due to better-trained staff.
• Families of individuals with learning disabilities and autism: May benefit from improved services and staff understanding.
• Training providers: May experience increased demand for training services.
• Government: Responsible for creating and enforcing the code of practice, leading to potential administrative and financial burdens.

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