The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently announced upcoming changes to the driver theory test. Starting in 2026, the test will include updated questions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and new questions about using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The DVSA, in collaboration with the Resuscitation Council UK and Save a Life programmes in Wales,...
Autism & Oral Health: Tips for Dentists, Resources and Training
Neurodiversity awareness is essential in all areas of healthcare, including dentistry. Under the Health & Care Act 2022, autism and learning disability training is mandatory for all health professionals. This free resource explains the sensory and communication challenges neurodivergent people face in accessing dental care. Here, First Response Training provides practical tips for dentists...
LeDeR report faces ‘unacceptable delay’
Campaigners urge the government to publish the latest LeDeR report, after it experiences an unexplained and “unacceptable” delay. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is facing mounting pressure to release the delayed report into the deaths of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, with critics accusing the government of “sitting on”...
Workplace Safety: In Response to the Latest HSE Report
Every year, hundreds of workers in the UK lose their lives due to workplace accidents, and thousands more suffer from serious injuries and work-related illnesses. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published their Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain report on 2 July 2025. This resource outlines the key findings and explains why health...
HSE highlights risks to young people at work
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been highlighting its advice and guidance for protecting the health, safety and welfare of young people at work. As the academic year draws to a close and many young people finish secondary or further education, they may be looking to enter the workplace for the first time...
HSE publishes latest figures for work-related fatalities
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...