New State of Shared Lives data shows a resilient, growing sector across the UK

This year’s publication includes a UK-wide report, alongside separate reports for Scotland and Wales, providing both national and nation-level insight into Shared Lives during a period of sustained pressure across adult social care.

Talking about the importance of good data, Lynne Harrison, Director of Operations said:

“Having robust, transparent data matters for Shared Lives. Each year, we’re building a clearer and more reliable picture, which helps us understand change over time and be honest about both progress and gaps. That kind of evidence is essential for learning, planning and making the case for Shared Lives nationally and locally.”

In 2024–25, 9,898 people were supported through Shared Lives across the UK.

At a time of sustained pressure across adult social care, the data shows that Shared Lives continues to provide consistent, personalised support in communities.

Growth was particularly strong in Scotland, where the number of people supported increased by 4% over the past year.

Live-in arrangements remain central to Shared Lives, supporting 58% of people in 2024–25. At the same time, short breaks (27%) and day support (17%) continue to play a growing role, reflecting how schemes are responding to different needs and local demand.

While learning disability remains the largest area of support, the data also shows Shared Lives reaching people with a wider range of needs, including older people and people with sensory impairments.

On the importance of national context, Nicola Watson, Shared Lives Plus Nations Officer, said:

“When you look at the data from Scotland and Wales, it’s clear why national context matters. Shared Lives doesn’t look the same everywhere. Patterns of support, growth and participation differ between nations, and being able to see that variation helps us avoid drawing the wrong conclusions.”

The number of approved Shared Lives carers has increased steadily, rising from 9,226 in 2021–22 to 10,406 in 2024–25 — an increase of 13% over four years. More carers are also offering short breaks, supporting greater flexibility at a local level.

The workforce supporting Shared Lives has also grown. Since data collection expanded to include Wales and Scotland, staff numbers have increased from 954 in 2022–23 to 997 in 2024–25. Seventy-one per cent of staff work full time, underlining workforce stability and sustained local investment.

Ewan King, Shared Lives Plus CEO said:

“Taken together, growth in Shared Lives carer numbers and a stable, largely full-time workforce are strong indicators of a solid foundation. Compared with adult social care more broadly, Shared Lives sees significantly lower staff turnover, mirroring that same level of stability in the continuity of care that people experience.”

For the first time, the report provides a detailed national picture of care leavers moving into Shared Lives. In 2024–25, 351 transitions were reported, most involving young people moving from foster care into Shared Lives with an existing carer.

Mary Stokes, Project Officer for the Young People Leaving Care programme, said:

“Starting to collect national data on care leavers moving into Shared Lives is an important step. It allows us to begin seeing patterns and pathways that weren’t visible before, and to build a stronger evidence base for why a ‘Shared Lives first’ approach can work for young people leaving care.”

In England, the data also provides early evidence of the impact of the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF). Of the areas that expanded Shared Lives last year, 29 used ARF funding, together supporting 317 additional people — accounting for 60% of national growth in England.

Suzi Clark, who leads the Strategic Advice and Development team, reflected:

“What this data allows us to do is start to see how targeted investment is reflected in Shared Lives growth on the ground. Where funding has been available, we’re seeing increases in capacity and in the number of people supported. That emerging picture reinforces the importance of backing Shared Lives as part of wider system reform.”

The State of Shared Lives 2024–25 includes a UK-wide report, alongside nation-specific reports for Scotland and Wales.

Explore the State of Shared Lives 2024–25 findings and download the reports