Social services Apply to become a shared lives carer

Approving and matching a Shared Lives provider

Approval Process for providers

All shared lives providers are subject to an approval process after applying.

When you apply, a Shared Lives worker will be allocated to you and will take you through each stage of the process over the phone and answer any questions you might have. If you want to proceed we'll arrange to come and see you at home (or in our office if you're only interested in becoming a sessional worker).

The approval process includes an assessment of suitability, checking of references and a Disclosure and Barring service check (formerly CRB). We also require applicants to complete six training modules to a required standard.

Following this process, all the information is given to an independent panel who will make the final approval decision.

Matching you with a customer

We always try to match you with a person you can get along with, based on interests, the kind of person you want to support and the support needs of the customer. We also try to match people who have similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

The matching process is done by your Shared Lives worker jointly with you.

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.