Shared Lives Plus welcomes new Chair as Richard Jones steps down after a decade of leadership

During his tenure, Richard helped steer the organisation through significant growth across Shared Lives and Homeshare, strengthened the voice of members, and championed the power of relationships at the heart of the model.

Richard is proud of what Shared Lives Plus has achieved. He says the organisation has:

“Continued to punch above our weight. We’re a small organisation but made a huge difference – to individuals and to local authorities and governments to show what Shared Lives and Homeshare do for people.”

He first encountered Shared Lives while working as a director of Social Services. A meeting with Graham, a man whose Shared Lives ‘family’ gave him ordinary life experiences such as weddings and parties for the first time, left a lasting impression:

“He’d been in care for a long time… He was telling me what it was like moving into his Shared Lives carer’s home… what it means to be human – to be around people who have an interest in you… He was so himself… From that day on I was completely hooked!”

Richard says this focus on relationships has remained central to his leadership:

“I’ve seen the difference it’s made… even the best paid for care can’t do this – people are invested in each other. You get love, you see.”

He adds:

“Alex [former CEO of Shared Lives Plus] once quoted me – you can commission all sorts, but you can’t commission love and acceptance. [Shared Lives] is about relationships and potential, stuff which is invaluable – someone saying, ‘let’s go and find how we can develop your interest’. Shared Lives carers go above and beyond every day of the week. With Shared Lives, there’s continuity of care and relationships…relationships are what sits at the heart of the model.”

Under Richard’s guidance, the organisation’s expanded from small, short-term projects to sustainable programmes:

“When I started, there were more smaller projects. Now there are bigger programmes like ‘Live More’ with ten boroughs in Greater Manchester looking to support people with dementia. And the care leavers programme, which is enabling local authorities to support an additional 125 young people. The recent videos are amazing! These programmes are advancing the offer that Shared Lives can make.”

He notes that Homeshare has required patience and long-term commitment:

“It’s a slow burn but look at the difference it makes – it’s win win.”

Richard has also championed our member’s involvement, particularly through Your Voice forums, which allow carers and scheme chairs to directly inform decision-making:

“Unless you’re listening to people’s real experience, unless you’re focussed on and driven by people’s own perspective, you end up doing too many things and not adding value. Listen to the carer representatives – that’s my takeaway. They’ve got perspectives that are unique.”

Richard is confident in the future of Shared Lives Plus:

“This is absolutely the time for both [Shared Lives and Homeshare] to demonstrate that we provide better outcomes, better quality for regulated services and do it more cheaply. If schemes are given investment like the ARF (Accelerated Reform Fund), look what happens…those areas that invest see growth, so we have to be optimistic, notwithstanding the financial challenges.”

He also praised the current Board and offered advice to his successor:

“The Board is as strong as I’ve ever known it – passionate and ambitious. The organisation is in safe hands with Ewan…and the thousands of current and potential Shared Lives carers. Aisling is a going to be a super chair! I’d say, ‘be yourself’. You’ve got so much to offer in terms of your experience and knowledge. Be confident about what you can bring and you’ll be great.”

Richard leaves with mixed emotions but a sense of purpose:

“I’m going to hugely miss Shared Lives Plus, but you can’t stay or go on for ever! I’m a grandad to three and numbers are skyrocketing with another one on the way. I’ll do bits and pieces in the sector and now I’m an OAP, I’ll slow down a bit! I’ll see my family and walk in the hills.”

Aisling Duffy, Chief Executive of Certitude since 2005, brings more than 30 years’ experience in not-for-profit organisations supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. She describes taking on the Chair role as a chance to align her values with her vision for social care.

“Shared Lives Plus is built on something I believe in wholeheartedly: the power of relationships and community… creating bonds that transform lives. At its heart, it’s about people opening their homes and lives to others, creating bonds that transform lives. That sense of belonging and mutual support is what drew me in.”

Aisling’s leadership experience shapes her approach. She emphasises collaboration, listening, and innovation as essential for creating thriving communities:

“I’ve seen how person-centred approaches can unlock potential and create thriving communities. I want to bring that same energy and commitment to Shared Lives Plus.”

She sees Shared Lives as a model that can redefine social care:

“We’re at a pivotal moment in social care. There’s growing recognition that traditional models aren’t enough – and Shared Lives offers something truly different: care rooted in human connection. I’m excited to help amplify that message and scale its impact.”

For Aisling, the importance of community is personal:

“For me, community is about feeling seen, valued, and supported. Relationships are the threads that hold us together. In my own life, I’ve experienced how connection brings joy and resilience – and I want everyone to have that.”

She highlights what makes Shared Lives so powerful:

“It’s simple yet profound: people supporting people in ordinary homes, not services. That normality, that sense of family, creates outcomes no system can replicate. I see Shared Lives as central to reform and innovation. It’s cost-effective, compassionate, and proven to deliver better lives. As we rethink social care, models like this must lead the way.”

Aisling is inspired by seeing people flourish and values balance in her own life:

“Seeing people flourish – whether it’s someone gaining independence or a carer finding purpose – fuels me every day. I recharge by spending time with family and friends, walking in nature, baking and losing myself in a good book. Balance is essential, and those moments keep me grounded.”

Looking ahead, she is eager to work with the team and the wider Shared Lives Plus community to make a lasting difference:

“I’m excited for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to working with Ewan, the team and the incredible Shared Lives Plus community to make a lasting difference.”

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard for all he has done for the organisation and the sector during his time as Chair and wish him well for the future. We also warmly welcome Aisling as Chair of the Board and look forward to working with her to continue building on the success of Shared Lives Plus.