The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published the latest annual statistics for work-related fatalities in Great Britain. The health and safety watchdog has revealed that a total of 124 workers died in work-related incidents between April 2024 and March 2025, which is a decrease of 14 from the previous year. Two decades ago,...
Charity helplines prepare for rise in concerns about children this summer
Childline are preparing for a rise in children contacting them about loneliness this summer, while the NSPCC Helpline is also expecting an increase in adults reporting concerns about children being left home alone. Childline is reminding people that their free, confidential helpline and their Building Connections service are both available to provide support and...
Children with special educational needs could lose ‘vital’ support
The government has been urged to retain education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ministers have so far refused to rule out scrapping the education plans, but campaigners argue they provide children with special educational needs with “vital provision,” and “precious legal protections.” When...
FRT nominated at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards
First Response Training (FRT) were nominated for an award at this year’s National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards. The leading national training provider was nominated in the Employer category, and had the distinction of being the only training provider to be shortlisted in this category. Held on Friday 4th July 2025 at the ICC...
NHS 10-Year Plan outlines key reforms for healthcare
The government recently published their NHS 10-Year Plan, which outlines key reforms for the future of healthcare in England, but omits learnings from avoidable deaths. The Fit for the future: 10-Year Health Plan for England was published on 3rd July 2025 to address the “critical condition” of the NHS and “guarantee its sustainability for...
Oliver McGowan Draft Code of Practice sets standards for training
The government has published the new Oliver McGowan draft code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training, which sets out the standards required of this training. The Oliver McGowan draft code of practice has been developed to support the implementation of the statutory requirement, introduced by the Health and Care Act 2022,...
Quick Guide to the New Oliver McGowan Code of Practice
On 19 June 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care published the new Oliver McGowan Code of Practice. First Response Training proudly supported the rollout of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism Framework from the beginning. This guide explains what the new code of practice means for health and...
Skills for Care focuses on developing everyday leadership
Skills for Care have launched a campaign aimed at developing and supporting everyday leadership in adult social care. The national workforce development charity is running its ‘Everyday leadership’ campaign throughout June and July to help leaders and managers in the sector identify what good leadership looks like. The everyday leaders campaign also wants to...
Good Care Month shines spotlight on ‘remarkable’ care workers
July is Good Care Month, which recognises the “remarkable contributions and commitment of care professionals” in the UK. Organised by Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), and taking place every January and July, the national awareness campaign is also designed to inspire members of the public to consider care as a “fulfilling and viable career...
Good Care Starts with Good Training
Good Care Month is an opportunity to celebrate the work of carers and promote careers in care. In this practical guide, First Response Training shares tips on how to get involved, show appreciation, and build a culture of compassionate, well-trained care. Learn why good care starts with good training, and how your team can...
World Wellbeing Week: Promote a safe and healthy workplace
It’s World Wellbeing Week, an international awareness event which highlights and celebrates all aspects of wellbeing, from physical, mental and emotional health to wellbeing at work. Running from 24th to 30th June, World Wellbeing Week is organised by WellBeing World, a network of health and wellbeing experts. Established in 2011, WellBeing World is “devoted...
Protecting health and safety in a heatwave
It’s officially the hottest day of the year in England, with temperatures surpassing 30C and amber heat health alerts in place as we enter an early summer heatwave. Climbing temperatures have brought warnings for schools, businesses and communities to protect people’s health, safety and welfare, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to the...
Tips for Supporting Autistic People with Heat Sensitivity
With the UK in the middle of a heatwave, many autistic people are facing extra difficulties, including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to heat. If you're working with autistic people, remember: Check in gently and often Provide cool spaces, fans, and water Watch for non-verbal signs like fatigue, zoning out, or agitation Respect everyone’s needs, visible...
“Do You See Me?” Learning Disability Week 2025
This Learning Disability Week (16–22 June 2025), First Response Training supports the theme “Do You See Me?” by promoting inclusion, empathy, and understanding through our Neurodiversity training courses. Co-delivered by Experts with Lived Experience, including people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals, our training challenges stereotypes and sparks real change. Join us in recognising...
How We Created Our New Learning Disability and Autism Course
In response to the Health and Care Act 2022, First Response Training has developed a comprehensive Learning Disability and Autism training course, fully aligned with Section 181 and Regulation 18. Designed for health and social care professionals, our blended course combines evidence-based content with powerful contributions from people with lived experience. Co-created with autistic...