Shared Lives Plus AGM 2025: celebrating growth, innovation, and community

Chair Richard Jones opened the AGM by praising the vibrant Shared Lives and Homeshare community:

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to see everybody and hear from you. The community of carers, schemes, and Homeshare coordinators is incredible, and the Board and trustees play a crucial role in guiding and supporting our growth.”

He also announced that as part of Shared Lives Plus governance cycle, he would be stepping down as Chair after ten years, with thirteen in total on the Board, thanking members, trustees, and colleagues for their support during his tenure. Richard confirmed that Aisling Duffy has been appointed as the new Chair and welcomed her into the role.

Aisling addressed members following the announcement, thanking Richard for his leadership and setting out her commitment to working with the Shared Lives and Homeshare community in the year ahead.

“I’m excited to take on this role and to continue building on the strong foundations Richard has helped create.”

Richard and Aisling have been working closely with the Board and senior leadership team to ensure a smooth, well-supported handover, with continuity in strategy, values and oversight.

The Board expressed its thanks to Richard for a decade of dedicated leadership and confirmed its confidence in Aisling’s experience, alignment with the organisation’s mission, and her commitment to supporting the next phase of Shared Lives and Homeshare.

This stable transition reflects the strength of the organisation, its governance, and its long-term direction.

Treasurer Ian Coleman reported that careful financial management and strategic decisions had returned Shared Lives Plus to a small surplus. He outlined ongoing efforts to secure resources and partnerships to maintain our membership offer across all of the nations and Homeshare UK.

CEO Ewan King highlighted five strategic priorities: growth, influence, member support, innovation, and strong governance. He emphasised the organisation’s active involvement in government consultations on adult social care, including contributing to Baroness Louise Casey’s review and engaging commissioners to address barriers and opportunities in Shared Lives provision.

Ewan also highlighted regional initiatives:

“Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have benefited from toolkit development, government engagement, and increased participation in forums and events, all contributing to positive growth and improved outcomes.”

Suzi Clark, Head of Strategic Advice and Development, outlined how the Accelerating Reform Fund has helped schemes in England increase recruitment, support young people leaving care, expand dementia and mental health services, and raise awareness of Shared Lives among social workers. Early analysis attributes 60% of sector growth last year to this investment.

Phoebe Barber-Rowell, Head of Communications, showcased how media coverage has raised the profile of Shared Lives and Homeshare nationwide, with stories appearing in sector publications, national newspapers, and on BBC Breakfast and The One Show:

“The media coverage we’ve achieved has really raised awareness – people across the UK are seeing the impact and potential of our network.”

Operations Director Lynne Harrison reported that Shared Lives Plus now supports more than 6,300 carers, providing advice on fees, legal and tax matters, tenancy issues, safeguarding, and mediation:

“Supporting our carers remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Drusilla Lloyd, Trustee and Chair of the Carers’ Your Voice Forum, reflected on a busy year, including supporting awards judging, attending a special garden party in London, and participating in popular workshops. She thanked carers for their involvement:

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be your Chair. We can’t solve all the problems, but we listen – and I take your feedback straight to the Board. Please encourage more carers to join us.”

Carol Lucas, Trustee and Chair of the Schemes’ Your Voice Forum, highlighted well-attended forums and a growing culture of collaboration. Schemes shared learning on:

• Navigating transport and mobility challenges
• Promoting independence
• Fair pay for Shared Lives carers
• Communication and engagement best practice
• The impact of national policy changes, including the government’s Employment Rights Bill

David Matthews, Trustee and Chair of Homeshare UK, reported a positive year with 16 Homeshare schemes, 91 ongoing matches, and a 54% year-on-year increase in reported matches. Highlights included Homeshare Week, featuring a live webinar hosted by HomeShare Leeds and Homeshare West, and a feature on BBC’s The One Show:

“Communication is strong, and members feel actively involved rather than part of a one-way relationship…recruiting homeowners remains a key priority for the year ahead.”

Ewan outlined emerging priorities for the year ahead, including:

• Continuing to influence government and commissioners
• Expanding learning and development opportunities
• Supporting Homeshare growth and innovation
• Strengthening engagement across the movement
• Championing improved fees for Shared Lives carers

The AGM concluded with heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chair Richard Jones, who has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s development over the past decade. Ewan reflected on first working with Richard 15 years ago, when he helped secure investment to grow Lancashire’s Shared Lives scheme into the largest in the country.

“He’s done it in the real world, and as Chair, he has helped Shared Lives Plus flourish. He will be sorely missed.”

In recognition of his contribution, Shared Lives Plus commissioned a personalised piece of artwork, created by Ivor, a person who lives with a Shared Lives carer, supported by Shared Lives South West, to be sent to Richard.