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How to apply to become a Shared Lives carer

The application process to become a Shared Lives carer consists of the following steps:

Application

For more information or to get an application form:

Pre-assessment visit

Once we've received your application and have carried out our initial checks, we'll contact you to book a pre-assessment visit at your home. The pre-assessment visit is an opportunity to discuss the process in more detail, look at your home and make sure everyone is happy to proceed with the assessment.

Pre-assessment paperwork

If everyone's happy to proceed we'll begin the pre-assessment paperwork. This includes:

  • signing health and safety declarations
  • requesting references
  • capturing your background history.

Training

Our mandatory training is mostly accessed via e-learning, but there may be some classroom based learning.

All carers will need to have the following training:

  • First Aid (to be updated every 3 years)
  • Mental Capacity Act (to be updated every 3 years)
  • Safeguarding Adults (to be updated every 3 years)
  • Equality and Diversity (to be updated every 3 years)
  • Safe Handling of Medication (to be updated every 2 years)
  • General Data Protections Regulations (GDPR) (to be updated every 2 years)
  • Prevent (to be updated every 2 years).

There are also 3 courses that only need to be completed once:

  • Learning Disability Awareness
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • Understanding Autism.

If you've already completed any of the above training, you will just need to provide copies of certificates.

If you’re new to social care, we will help you complete the Care Certificate induction workbook. However, if you have a previous qualification in adult social care, we would not expect this.

Assessment

Once you've completed your training, you'll be allocated an assessing officer.

In order to carry out a thorough assessment, the assessing officer will visit you 8 to 10 times. They will ask you about your personal history and carry out checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Health and Safety and will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to support eligible adults.

From the point of application, assessment usually takes an average of 2 to 4 months depending on whether voluntary work is required and the availability of the prospective carer and Shared Lives Officer.

Report submitted to panel

We will submit a report to our panel, which you will have a chance to read beforehand. You do not have to attend the Shared Lives panel in person.

Approval

Once approved, you will be allocated a named worker who will monitor and support you.