Learning Disability & Dementia Training
Changing the shape of support
About SquarePeg Training
SquarePeg Training is a social enterprise led by Karen Watchman, working alongside expert advisors with learning disabilities. Together, we co-develop training and resources on learning disabilities and dementia, sharing real-life experiences to shape meaningful, impactful content. Profits go toward supporting the continued advisory role of people with learning disabilities and to subsidise training for families and students.
Our course, for up to 20 of your staff, is designed for professionals in health, social care, social work, allied health, and third sector roles. We aim to build a sustainable workforce that moves away from ‘reinventing the wheel’ with every diagnosis. We equip managers and staff with the practical knowledge and confidence required to bring about immediate change in practice, which enhances the quality of life and support for individuals with a learning disability.
Our training is aligned to Dementia Skilled Practice Level of the Promoting Excellence Framework, Scotland (NHS Education for Scotland, 2021) and Tier 2 of the Dementia Training Standards Framework (Department of Health and Social Care, 2026). It is relevant to health and social care staff directly providing care and support.
Did you know we also co-develop resources? Jenny’s Diary is a pictorial guide to talking about dementia, while Andrew’s Cards aims to support a time of change or transition for people with a learning disability. Award winning research led by Karen Watchman in her role as Professor at the University of Stirling is featured on our Stand by Me and Life through a Lens webpages.
Award Winning
SquarePeg Training was proud to be runner-up in the 2024 Forth Valley HEAT (Highlighting Entrepreneurship All Together) competition, supported by Business Gateway. The event featured 20 new businesses, each pitching their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style format. We were finalists in the 2025 Converge Create Change Challenge to further develop entrepreneurial skills and the 2026 Dementia Care Awards UK (Dementia Trainer and Workforce Development).
About The CEO & Trainer
Karen Watchman began working alongside people with Down’s syndrome as CEO of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, where she developed the first course on learning disabilities and dementia in the 1990s. Since then, she has delivered award-winning, internationally recognised training for health and social care professionals.
While working at Alzheimer’s Disease International, Karen edited the 2021 World Alzheimer’s Report and co-authored Plan to Impact IV, tracking progress on the WHO Global Dementia Action Plan.
Karen is an expert advisor to Alzheimer Europe and serves on the international committee of the National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices in the USA. She is also a Professor of Dementia, Ageing and Frailty at the University of Stirling,
