New guidance supports inclusive recruitment during Race Equality Week 2026

With funding from the Hallmark Foundation, Shared Lives Plus developed the Good Practice Guide: Recruiting Shared Lives carers from Minoritised Ethnic, Cultural and Religious Communities, drawing on learning from Shared Lives schemes across England. The guide aims to help local schemes reach a wider range of potential carers and ensure Shared Lives reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

When people are supported by carers who understand their culture, faith or traditions, support can feel more familiar, respectful and meaningful – helping people stay connected to what matters most in their daily lives.

Our State of Shared Lives data shows that only 5 – 7% of Shared Lives carers in England come from ethnic minoritised communities, compared with around 18% of the population. The new guidance helps schemes build on what already works and to strengthen inclusive recruitment.

The guide sets out practical ways schemes can:

• recruit through faith groups, community leaders and local networks
• use inclusive language and relatable imagery in recruitment
• support carers with culturally competent staff and flexible training
• recruit carers to support people living with dementia, drawing on learning from the Live More programme

The guidance also includes real examples from Shared Lives schemes, showing how culturally familiar support can help people feel secure, confident and at home:

Laura and her husband became Shared Lives carers with Bury Shared Lives, managed by Persona, so they could continue supporting E, a young woman with Down’s syndrome whom they had previously fostered. Sharing the same Orthodox Jewish faith has helped E maintain her religious practices, routines and sense of identity as she moved into adulthood.

In Slough, Unazia and her family support Mohiz through Ategi Shared Lives. Mohiz, a young Pakistani Muslim man, joined the family after foster care. Their shared cultural and religious background has helped create a familiar and supportive environment where he has grown in confidence and independence.

Ewan King, Chief Executive of Shared Lives Plus, said the guidance brings together learning already happening across the network:

“If Shared Lives is to be part of every community, our carers need to reflect the diversity of local communities. There is more to do to ensure that Shared Lives carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including minoritised ethnic, cultural and religious communities. What is pleasing is that there is much good work going on to address this challenge.

This guide brings together many of these examples of good practice, and we would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who contributed. Keep up the amazing work, and for those who want to make further progress, please do use this guide.”

Stephen Burke, Director of the Hallmark Foundation, said:

“This guide is vital to the future growth and success of Shared Lives. Recruiting more Shared Lives carers from communities currently underrepresented will enhance people’s experiences and lives.

The continued expansion of Shared Lives will give a wider range of adults, particularly older people, the support they want and need for better lives.”

The Good Practice Guide: Recruiting Shared Lives Carers from Minoritised Ethnic, Cultural and Religious Communities is free to read and download: