News and views Interviews Interview with CEO Albie Stadtmiller How did you hear about and get involved with Dementia Concern? I heard about Dementia Concern when I was working within the voluntary sector in Ealing as the Ealing Community Network Partnerships Manager. I met the former Director through that forum and was aware of the work of Dementia Concern. About 10 years ago my father-in-law was diagnosed with dementia and my family supported him through his illness until he passed away in 2017 from complications arising from dementia. I then saw the job advertisement whilst at my former CEO role in Westminster, and as I was now more familiar with dementia and also lived in Ealing, I thought that the role would be a good fit for me. How has the charity changed throughout your time at the charity? The charity had been in a period of change really since the passing of the founder, Frances English in 2011. From that point, changes began to work their way through the organisation. When I arrived on the scene in 2018, funding for the charity was diminishing. Within my first week in role, the charity had 1/3rd of its income cut. So, my last two years in the job as CEO, have basically been responding to how the charity could recover that £330,000 loss of funding per annum. The charity has also had quite a few staff leave for various reasons, and this has been unsettling for some longer-term staff members. The charity is also becoming more IT-based and has been reducing its paper-based recording methods. This innovation has supported the charity whilst it was working through the COVID-19 period and most of the staff working from home. The Volunteer Board has also had a whole new membership, as most of the previous Board Members had completed their term limits. How do you see the charity developing in the future? I can see the charity reaching out to more people within the borough and increasing the proportion of people who are living with dementia being served by Dementia Concern. I also see the charity’s offices becoming a Community Hub for those living with dementia and their carers. What is your favourite thing about Dementia Concern? I am pleased about the personalised care and direct help that the clients receive from our dedicated and supportive staff and the great feedback we receives from families.