Jan Oyebode

I qualified in clinical psychology in 1977 and, since 1980, have specialised in clinical psychology with older people, and especially dementia, pursuing a combination of clinical and academic work.

My clinical psychology training in Liverpool in the 1970s was focused on radical behaviourism, with a strong emphasis on doctor-patient communication. In my first post-qualification position I worked in primary care, adult mental health, forensic, psychosexual and older adult work. I moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1980 to one of the first 'older adult' clinical psychology posts in the country. Whilst in Newcastle, I gained knowedge and experience of using cognitive behaviour therapy and completed my PhD on cognitive functioning in Parkinson’s Disease. From 1987 to 1998, I was Head of Older Adult Psychology in South Birmingham Psychology Service. I built up the specialty, establishing an innovative multi-skilled team. I had personal experience of work in physical health, mental health, primary care and community settings, conducting individual, family and group-based client work, consultation, training and project work. I pursued CPD in systemic therapy, neuropsychology and solution-focused therapy and completed a postgraduate certificate in NHS management.

Between 1996 and 2001 I split my work between Birmingham University and the NHS, including becoming Director of the multi-specialty South Birmingham Psychology Service.

In November 2001, I took up the position of Director of the Clinical Psychology Doctorate at the University of Birmingham, running an NHS commissioned programme with an annual intake of 25 professional doctorate trainees . I supervised over 50 doctorate theses on a range of topics connected with old age psychology, in particular on dementia and on continuing bonds following bereavement. I continued to spend 1 day per week in clinical practice and most recently contributed to the work of the Birmingham Memory Assessment and Advisory Service.

Having built up a research track record, I joined the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies as Chair in Dementia Care from January 2013 and focus on how diversity affects the way people with dementia live their lives, in relation especially to cultural diversity, age of onset of dementia and type of dementia and their impacts on coping and well-being.