Our team
We’re proud of our dedicated team; each member brings their own strengths and plays an important role in making Dorward House the special place it is. Many of our staff have been with us for a long time and take great pride in being part of our home.
Our Team
Care starts with people
Everyone is chosen for the qualities that matter most: kindness, compassion, trustworthiness, empathy, and a good sense of humour. All care staff are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and complete nationally recognised SVQ training. We also provide regular in-house development and access to specialist external training to ensure our care remains of the highest standard.
Meet the Team
Our Key Workers
Each resident is supported by a dedicated key worker, whose role is to build a close, positive relationship with both the resident and their family. This ensures that all care is personalised and focused on achieving the best outcomes for each individual resident.
Our key workers take the time to get to know everything that makes a resident unique; their likes and dislikes, favourite foods, hobbies, music, TV programmes, and cherished memories of family and past experiences. Key workers also serve as an important link between families and Dorward House, helping to keep everyone connected and informed.
Senior Team
Debbie
Manager
She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where residents feel truly valued and staff are empowered to grow. Debbie takes great pride in fostering a strong sense of community and finds joy in seeing the positive impact of meaningful relationships between staff and residents.
Dorward House is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, and Debbie plays a key role in welcoming residents and their loved ones into this close-knit setting.
Her favourite time of year is Christmas, when the home is transformed with festive decorations. She loves seeing the delight on residents’ faces and enjoys planning seasonal events that bring joy to everyone.
Outside work, Debbie enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family.
She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where residents feel truly valued and staff are empowered to grow. Debbie takes great pride in fostering a strong sense of community and finds joy in seeing the positive impact of meaningful relationships between staff and residents.
Dorward House is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, and Debbie plays a key role in welcoming residents and their loved ones into this close-knit setting.
Her favourite time of year is Christmas, when the home is transformed with festive decorations. She loves seeing the delight on residents’ faces and enjoys planning seasonal events that bring joy to everyone.
Outside work, Debbie enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family.
Pam
Deputy Manager
Pam has been part of the Dorward House team for over 14 years, bringing a wealth of experience to her current role as Deputy Manager. She has previously worked as a Senior Care Officer on both day and night shifts, giving her a deep understanding of the care environment and the needs of residents.
She is passionate about working alongside a dedicated team who are driven by compassion and a shared goal of helping residents achieve the best possible outcomes. Pam describes Dorward House as “heart-led,” where care is delivered with genuine warmth and empathy.
One of her most memorable moments was celebrating a resident’s 90th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the restrictions, the team created a joyful celebration in the garden, with the resident on one side of the boundary wall and their family cheering from the other. Though bittersweet, it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and care.
Pam enjoys painting, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.
She is passionate about working alongside a dedicated team who are driven by compassion and a shared goal of helping residents achieve the best possible outcomes. Pam describes Dorward House as “heart-led,” where care is delivered with genuine warmth and empathy.
One of her most memorable moments was celebrating a resident’s 90th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the restrictions, the team created a joyful celebration in the garden, with the resident on one side of the boundary wall and their family cheering from the other. Though bittersweet, it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and care.
Pam enjoys painting, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.
Craig
Finance & Business Manager
Craig joined the Dorward House team in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Finance & Business Manager. While not directly involved in care delivery, Craig finds daily inspiration in the uplifting interactions he shares with residents, which make every day rewarding.
He’s proud to be part of an organisation with such a rich history; Dorward House has been supporting vulnerable members of the local community for over 185 years. Craig sees this enduring legacy as a testament to the adaptability and commitment of the staff and custodians who continue to evolve the home to meet modern care standards.
One of Craig’s favourite memories is the annual Easter egg hunt, where residents, staff, and their families come together to celebrate. The joy shared across generations during this event perfectly captures the spirit of Dorward House.
Outside work, love caravan holidays and exploring the outdoors.
He’s proud to be part of an organisation with such a rich history; Dorward House has been supporting vulnerable members of the local community for over 185 years. Craig sees this enduring legacy as a testament to the adaptability and commitment of the staff and custodians who continue to evolve the home to meet modern care standards.
One of Craig’s favourite memories is the annual Easter egg hunt, where residents, staff, and their families come together to celebrate. The joy shared across generations during this event perfectly captures the spirit of Dorward House.
Outside work, love caravan holidays and exploring the outdoors.
Nancy
Senior Care Officer (Nightshift)
Nancy has been a valued member of the Dorward House team since May 2024. As a Senior Care Officer working night shifts, she appreciates the quieter hours that allow for more one-on-one time with residents who are awake overnight.
She describes Dorward House as a busy but incredibly caring place, where nothing is ever too much trouble. Nancy was struck by how welcoming the staff were when she first joined, and she continues to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the lovely residents she supports.
Outside work, Nancy enjoys travelling with her family and spending time babysitting her grandchildren.
She describes Dorward House as a busy but incredibly caring place, where nothing is ever too much trouble. Nancy was struck by how welcoming the staff were when she first joined, and she continues to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the lovely residents she supports.
Outside work, Nancy enjoys travelling with her family and spending time babysitting her grandchildren.
Tracey
Senior Care Officer (Nightshift)
Tracey has been a dedicated member of the Dorward House team for almost 20 years, working as a Senior Care Officer on nightshift. Her long-standing commitment reflects her deep connection to the residents and the home.
What Tracey enjoys most about her role are the residents themselves; each with their own unique personality. Over the years, she’s shared many laughs and memorable moments, building strong bonds with those in her care.
She describes Dorward House as a truly homely environment, where staff work hard to maintain high professional standards while preserving a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
One of Tracey’s most cherished memories is returning Dorward House after it had a full renovation and extension in 2008. Seeing the positive impact the improvements had on both residents and staff was a powerful and uplifting experience.
Outside work, Tracey enjoys gardening, yoga, crafting, reading, and thrifting for homeware and clothing.
What Tracey enjoys most about her role are the residents themselves; each with their own unique personality. Over the years, she’s shared many laughs and memorable moments, building strong bonds with those in her care.
She describes Dorward House as a truly homely environment, where staff work hard to maintain high professional standards while preserving a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
One of Tracey’s most cherished memories is returning Dorward House after it had a full renovation and extension in 2008. Seeing the positive impact the improvements had on both residents and staff was a powerful and uplifting experience.
Outside work, Tracey enjoys gardening, yoga, crafting, reading, and thrifting for homeware and clothing.
Hayley
Senior Care Officer (Nightshift)
Hayley is a Senior Care Officer on nightshift and she describes the night team as one big family: friendly, supportive, and deeply caring.
She takes pride in being part of the first interactions residents have each morning, often sharing uplifting moments that set a positive tone for the day. From singing and dancing in the corridors to quiet chats, Hayley finds joy in making residents smile.
She believes the nightshift team embodies the caring spirit of Dorward House, maintaining a warm and professional environment even during the quietest hours.
Outside work, Hayley is a mum to three boys, currently in her final year of university, and working toward her SVQ3 qualification. She enjoys crocheting in her spare time.
She takes pride in being part of the first interactions residents have each morning, often sharing uplifting moments that set a positive tone for the day. From singing and dancing in the corridors to quiet chats, Hayley finds joy in making residents smile.
She believes the nightshift team embodies the caring spirit of Dorward House, maintaining a warm and professional environment even during the quietest hours.
Outside work, Hayley is a mum to three boys, currently in her final year of university, and working toward her SVQ3 qualification. She enjoys crocheting in her spare time.
Nicky
Senior Care Officer
Nicky has been a Senior Care Officer at Dorward House for seven years. She finds great joy in listening to residents’ life stories and sharing laughter with them, building meaningful connections through everyday moments.
What Nicky values most about Dorward House is its homely atmosphere. She believes that when residents’ families can’t be there, the staff become their extended family, offering comfort, companionship, and care.
One of her favourite memories is when the therapy ponies visit the home. Seeing the residents’ faces light up with joy during these special moments is something she treasures.
Outside work, Nicky enjoys going out for meals with family and friends. She also loves travelling to different countries and experiencing new cultures.
What Nicky values most about Dorward House is its homely atmosphere. She believes that when residents’ families can’t be there, the staff become their extended family, offering comfort, companionship, and care.
One of her favourite memories is when the therapy ponies visit the home. Seeing the residents’ faces light up with joy during these special moments is something she treasures.
Outside work, Nicky enjoys going out for meals with family and friends. She also loves travelling to different countries and experiencing new cultures.
Jenny
Senior Care Officer
Jenny joined Dorward House in June 2012 and has been a valued part of the care team ever since.
She loves the variety each day brings and thrives in the welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. Jenny is proud to work alongside a friendly and dedicated team that consistently delivers excellent care. With so many memorable moments during her time here, she says she could write a book!
Outside work, Jenny enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
She loves the variety each day brings and thrives in the welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. Jenny is proud to work alongside a friendly and dedicated team that consistently delivers excellent care. With so many memorable moments during her time here, she says she could write a book!
Outside work, Jenny enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Bethany
Senior Care Officer
Bethany has been part of the Dorward House team since August 2017. After several years working as a Carer, she stepped into the role of Senior Care Officer in 2025, continuing her commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred care.
She enjoys the variety that each day brings and values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents. Bethany is passionate about highlighting the depth of the carer role, which she believes goes far beyond common assumption; it’s about connection, dignity, and making a real difference.
Among her many fond memories at Dorward House, one of her proudest moments was being promoted to Senior Care Officer. She also cherishes the time spent with residents, sharing stories and laughter.
Outside work, Bethany enjoys reading and walking her dog, although he rarely agrees to walk for more than 20 minutes!
She enjoys the variety that each day brings and values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents. Bethany is passionate about highlighting the depth of the carer role, which she believes goes far beyond common assumption; it’s about connection, dignity, and making a real difference.
Among her many fond memories at Dorward House, one of her proudest moments was being promoted to Senior Care Officer. She also cherishes the time spent with residents, sharing stories and laughter.
Outside work, Bethany enjoys reading and walking her dog, although he rarely agrees to walk for more than 20 minutes!
Wendy
Senior Care Officer
Wendy has been a dedicated member of the Dorward House team since December 1999. With nearly three decades of experience in care, she has spent the past 14 years as a Senior Care Officer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role.
As part of her supervisory responsibilities, Wendy plays a vital role in safeguarding residents. She also supports and guides care staff to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Her commitment to the wellbeing of residents is at the heart of everything she does.
Over the years, she has shared countless joyful moments with residents and staff, often filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. “I could write a book,” she says, reflecting on the many memories that still make her smile.
Outside work, Wendy enjoys reading, word searches, watching TV soaps, walking, and spending time with her family, which she values deeply for her mental health and wellbeing.
As part of her supervisory responsibilities, Wendy plays a vital role in safeguarding residents. She also supports and guides care staff to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Her commitment to the wellbeing of residents is at the heart of everything she does.
Over the years, she has shared countless joyful moments with residents and staff, often filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. “I could write a book,” she says, reflecting on the many memories that still make her smile.
Outside work, Wendy enjoys reading, word searches, watching TV soaps, walking, and spending time with her family, which she values deeply for her mental health and wellbeing.
Valerie
Home Administrator
Valerie has been the Home Administrator at Dorward House since early 2024. She enjoys working with the team, where everyone contributes in their own way to support residents and their families.
She’s proud to be part of a not-for-profit charity, something many people don’t realise about Dorward House. Valerie values the home’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and loves seeing residents’ reactions during special visits, like when Therapy Ponies arrive or during musical events.
Outside work, Valerie keeps active through running and is a regular at Montrose parkrun, either volunteering or taking part. She also enjoys baking celebration cakes for friends and family.
She’s proud to be part of a not-for-profit charity, something many people don’t realise about Dorward House. Valerie values the home’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and loves seeing residents’ reactions during special visits, like when Therapy Ponies arrive or during musical events.
Outside work, Valerie keeps active through running and is a regular at Montrose parkrun, either volunteering or taking part. She also enjoys baking celebration cakes for friends and family.
Meet the Team
Training & Expertise
Our carers and nurses receive ongoing training in person-centred care, dementia awareness, first aid, and safeguarding.
We invest in our team’s growth because excellent care depends on knowledge as much as kindness.
Every staff member is encouraged to develop their skills and share new ideas to enhance life at Dorward House.
- Ongoing dementia and palliative care training
- Accredited health & safety and first-aid courses
- Continuous professional development
- Supported apprenticeships and mentoring
A Team You Can Trust
Here when you need us
Day or night, our team is always close by — ready to lend a hand, listen, or simply share a cup of tea.
Families are welcome to meet our carers, ask questions, and get to know the people caring for their loved one.
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Join Our Team
Make a difference every day
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to work in a friendly, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.
We offer competitive pay, flexible shifts, and opportunities for ongoing training and career development.
Find out about available positions
We regularly post available jobs so keep an eye out and join a fantastic team today.
Regularly updated
Kind words about our team
A warm, resident-centred care home where dignity, comfort, and companionship come first.
Visit Us
We’d love to meet you
Come and meet our friendly team in person. Book a tour, have a chat over tea, and experience the warmth of Dorward House for yourself.