KTP Associate: Sporting Memories Occupational Therapist

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so you are advised and encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Full time, 18 months contract with Sporting Memories and Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Occupational Therapy Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to join an exciting, innovative collaboration with Sporting Memories, co‑funded by Innovate UK.

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership will embed occupational therapy expertise within Sporting Memories to support the scaling of its innovative reminiscence‑ and activity‑based model across the leisure and care sectors. The project will strengthen programme design and delivery to align with health and wellbeing priorities, supporting long‑term sustainability beyond grant funding.

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified Occupational Therapist to lead a high‑impact project that brings academic expertise into practice, supporting older adults living with dementia, frailty, or social isolation across leisure and care settings in Scotland and beyond.

The Role

The KTP Associate will develop an evidence‑based toolkit and training module for staff and volunteers, enhancing the impact of Sporting Memories clubs for older adults living with dementia, frailty or social isolation. This work will enable wider adoption of an enhanced model across Scotland and the UK through established partnerships.

Working closely with academic supervisors at Edinburgh Napier University and senior leaders at Sporting Memories, you will help scale an evidence‑based reminiscence and activity model that aligns with health and wellbeing priorities and professional standards.

The role will involve:

• Developing and applying occupational therapy knowledge to enhance programme design and delivery
• Leading ethical approvals, data collection and impact evaluation
• Conducting literature reviews and synthesising evidence to inform a new toolkit and training module
• Producing case studies demonstrating health, wellbeing and social value outcomes
• Leading the dissemination of findings through reports, presentations, conferences and peer‑reviewed publication

This post is offered on a remote basis, with travel required to Edinburgh Napier University (Sighthill Campus), Sporting Memories (Causewayside), and Sporting Memories clubs across Scotland as required.

What we will need from you:

You will be a HCPC‑registered Occupational Therapist with post‑qualification experience and a strong interest in research, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Essential requirements include:

• MSc degree (post registration) in occupational therapy or a BSc (Hons) degree with evidence of post-registration qualification(s) at master level or above.
• Current HCPC registration
• Demonstrable experience working with older adults, including those living with dementia
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills

Desirable criteria include:

• Experience of working with third‑sector organisations
• Research experience in health or social care
• PhD or working towards doctoral-level study

Secondments may be considered where outline agreement from your current employer can be provided at application stage.

Additional Information:

Hours: 35 hours per week

Interviews: To be confirmed

On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status.

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