Purpose

To consider the award of a grant for the provision of a Dementia Café and Carers Support Worker Service, via a competitive process, from April 2027 for a period of 3 years.

Decision

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

Date of Decision:

28 July 2026

Title:

Re-commission of a Dementia Café and Carers Support Worker Service

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Ian Spicer

Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Appendix 9, Section 4C3, of the Council’s Constitution provides that “The Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health is authorised to discharge executive functions through the commissioning and provision of social services for adults and public health services for the whole population and delivery of housing for the Borough, including: (4) Strategic Commissioning; (a) Commissioning”. 

Decision:

Invite the local voluntary and community sector to participate in a competitive grant process to secure the ongoing provision of a Carer Support Worker and Dementia Café Service.

Reasons for the Decision:

The ongoing service will support the Council in its duty to prevent, delay and reduce the need for formal services.  It will also contribute to the priorities identified in the Borough That Cares All Age  Carers Strategy by supporting unpaid carers in their role by aiming to prevent carer fatigue and breakdown by offering:

• Respite from their role
• Peer support
• Practical advice and information on coping
• Opportunities to identify carer stress and prevent escalation.
• Access to specialised support
• Regular, sustained and flexible contact
• Opportunities for quality time with the person they care for in an appropriately supported environment

By offering the Grant to an established and experienced VCS provider, with a substantial understanding of the needs and challenges facing people with dementia, it is expected that they will provide the required service alongside their usual business and enhance the offer, over and above what is funded, with additional resources and expertise.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

None considered.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

Report and appendix

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to:

Undertake a competitive grant process to secure future provision of a Dementia Café Service Carer Support Worker.

I confirm that in making this decision, due regard was given to the seven principles of public life.

Signed by the Decision Maker:

Dated:          28/07/2026

Name:          Ian Spicer                         

Job Title:   Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health