How it all started...
Chrissie and Nicky began working as Project Co-Ordinators for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disabilities and Autism in October 2023.
They recruited Experts with Lived Experience to co-deliver the training and put their absolute all into supporting the Experts in their roles. They loved the training and what it stood for so much that, in 2026, they decided to start their own business together.
It was decided this business would involve not only delivering Oliver's Training but also bespoke training on autism and learning disabilities and the provision of support services for undiagnosed or newly diagnosed autistic people.
Inclusive Insights Staffordshire was born!
Chrissie Swallow
Company Director & Lead Oliver McGowan Trainer
Hello! My name is Chrissie and I am one of the Company Directors at Inclusive Insights.
Previously I have worked as a Community Carer, a Teaching Assistant, a Mentor in both schools and colleges and also as a College Lecturer. As a lecturer, I taught autistic young people and those with learning disabilities. I also taught teenagers who hadn't succeeded in school for a variety of different reasons and had no qualifications to their name.
I became an Advocate in July 2022 then, when the opportunity came up to be part of the Oliver's Training, I leapt at the chance.
I have loved being involved in the training since day one and have such a passion for it. The parts of my career that I have loved the most have all involved working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people, it's definitely where my heart lies. Educating people about autism is also of personal importance to me as my son and daughter are both autistic, and, in September 2025, I received my own Autism diagnosis.
I would love to help the world to become a more inclusive place. Autistic people and those with learning disabilities should be given more opportunities and person-centred support to help them to succeed. We set up this business as we want to keep pushing for that to happen.
Chrissie
Nicky Walton
Company Director
Hi, I'm Nicky and I am the other Company Director at Inclusive Insights. My background has been in Social Care and Advocacy for the past 25 years....
For as long as I can remember I have really enjoyed working with people with learning disabilities. I am passionate about supporting them to be at the centre of their own lives, making decisions for themselves and getting their voices heard in matters that are important to them.
I have both personal and work experience with autism, my knowledge increases with every interaction.....
Becoming involved with the Oliver McGowan project was a natural progression for me and I have not looked back since. I love it and all that it stands for.
Starting Inclusive Insights means that we can continue to support the experts with experience to make positive changes to their lives and others within the health and social care sectors.
For us this is only the start of it and we hope to roll it out into other sectors so that, wherever you work, you will be able to access some form of training on learning disabilities and autism. We are thinking big....
Nicky
Testimonial:
'I've had the pleasure of working with Chrissie and Nicky since August 2023. Thanks to their thoughtful approach and genuine belief in the principles of the Oliver McGowan training, we have been able to grow a thriving cohort of trainers whose confidence has continued to develop over the past couple of years.
Chrissie and Nicky are absolutely fundamental to every training session we deliver. They're consistently on hand to support co-trainers with anything they may need, helping them feel confident and prepared while I facilitate the sessions with them. They embody the very essence of making reasonable adjustments so our co-trainers can truly flourish.
Both bring an incredibly calm and reassuring presence that puts everyone at ease. Their dedication and commitment have been key to the success of the programme — I simply couldn't have delivered this training to more than 3,000 staff without their ongoing support.
Chrissie and Nicky are exceptional at what they do, and any organisation would be very fortunate to work with them'.
Em Donnachie
Oliver McGowan Lead Trainer
