Development Worker - Dementia Friendly Tweeddale

Part-time development Worker, Dementia Friendly Tweeddale Based in Peebles, Scottish Borders

Salary: Remuneration will depend on the qualification and experience profile of the successful candidate and be linked to Local Government Social Work Grade 8. Working hours are flexible up to 14 hours per week. An initial 6-month Fixed Term Contract will be offered with extension possible depending on funding. We are also open to applicants interested in alternative working arrangements (freelance, or by secondment).

Role: The Development Worker will contribute towards making Tweeddale an excellent place for people affected by dementia to live in or to visit. Their primary focus during the 6-month duration of the Contract will be to establish, sustainably, a Tweeddale Meeting Centre.

This will be achieved by

· merging strands of DFT’s existing activities, and developing and enhancing these

· implementing agreed allocation procedures, and introducing new members to the Meeting Centre

· Ensuring the Meeting Centre reflects the “Eleven Essential Features” identified by the UK Meeting Centres Support Programme, as well as the aspirations of its local members and wider community

· Supporting and working alongside the existing group of committed volunteers, recruiting more volunteers, being responsible for supervision, and ensuring ongoing training needs are met

· Being guided by local experts by experience – people living with dementia, and unpaid carers and supporters. (Some of these sit on the Board of Dementia Friendly Tweeddale, to which the postholder will be responsible)

· Exploring ways in which people from the more rural areas of Tweeddale can access the benefits of the Meeting Centre.

· Collaborating with other local voluntary groups

· Developing strong relationships with colleagues from Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders

· Drawing on knowledge and expertise from the national organisations - Age Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and Meeting Centres Scotland - with which DFT already has links

· Taking an active role in the Meeting Centres Scotland online and in-person network, and supporting members and volunteers to attend MCS events where appropriate.

· Helping to ensure the Tweeddale Meeting Centre is appropriately and sustainably resourced, in respect of people, skills, accommodation, equipment and funding

In carrying out these tasks the postholder will also be

· Widening community awareness of dementia.

· Highlighting practical adjustments that can mitigate some of the challenges of dementia; and

· Helping to reduce the stigma that can still attach to the diagnosis.

Key skills, qualifications and attributes:

This is a demanding post carrying a high level of responsibility. Although no formal academic qualifications are specified, candidates must be able to evidence a track record in successful community development, with a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience. Experience in managing staff, volunteers, and a budget is also essential.

Given that DFT’s current funding can guarantee employment for only six months, it is highly desirable that candidates can demonstrate familiarity with Tweeddale, its geography, resources and challenges; and can also evidence understanding of the principles and work of Dementia Friendly Tweeddale, along with sound knowledge of the Meeting Centre model and ethos. Experience in sourcing funding would also be particularly advantageous.

Personal attributes will be more important than formal qualifications for the success of the post.

Recognising that 1 in 2 of us is likely to be affected by dementia in our lifetime*, the successful candidate will be passionate about making Tweeddale a responsive, supportive community for people affected by dementia. They will also be persuasive in conveying the message that “If we get it right for people with dementia, we get it right for everyone”.

Expressions of interest in the position should be sent to secretary@dementiafriendlytweeddale.org attaching a letter of motivation and a CV.

The closing date for applications is 23 November 2025

*https://dementiastatistics.org/about-dementia/prevalence-and-incidence/

Dementia Friendly Tweeddale is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, SC052397