Become a Shared Lives carer

Carer recruitment process

The Shared Lives carer recruitment process has 6 steps.

1. Application interest

Register your interest in becoming a carer.

2. Arrange a pre-assessment

Information, expectations and an overview of the service is discussed at the pre-assessment stage. 

This gives you the opportunity to decide if you feel the Shared Lives scheme will work for you and your family.

3. Full assessment process will begin

We need a better understanding of:

• your hobbies and interests
• family lifestyle
• your community

This helps us to match you with the right person. 

This process takes place over a course of visits and can take 2 to 3 hours per visit.

4. Recruitment checks

We will need to carry out some pre-recruitment checks with you, including:

• references
• employment history
• DBS clearance (Disclosure barring service)
• home insurance
• public liability
• vehicle insurance checks

5. Panel meeting

Once our assessment and recruitment checks have been completed, you will need to attend a panel meeting where your assessment will be discussed, and further recommendations may be advised such as further training on a specific topic.

We will be there to support you. We want to make sure that all carers can provide the best possible support.

6. A match

We will work together to find someone who you can share your life with. Matching can take some time.

Once matched, visits between you both will happen before any commitment is made. It's about making sure both you and the person you will support feel comfortable and confident.

The whole assessment process should take 6 to 8 weeks.

Last updated 11 June 2024