Date published: July 7, 2026
Shared Lives Plus welcomes new scheme and carer chairs to Board of Trustees
Shared Lives Plus has appointed two new member representatives to its Board of Trustees, with experienced scheme manager Claire Morphet and long-standing Shared Lives carer Ben Grimes taking on key leadership roles representing schemes and carers across the UK.
The appointments, voted for by our Shared Lives scheme and carer members respectively, will help ensure the voices of Shared Lives members continue to shape the work of Shared Lives Plus and the future development of Shared Lives.
Claire Morphet appointed Your Voice Scheme Chair
Claire Morphet has been voted for by our Shared Lives scheme members, and appointed as the new Your Voice Scheme Chair, representing Shared Lives schemes on the Shared Lives Plus Board of Trustees.
Claire brings more than 35 years of experience working alongside people with learning disabilities and a wealth of knowledge from across adult social care. Having worked in a variety of frontline, management and leadership roles, she is currently manager of the Shared Lives schemes in Rochdale and Trafford.
A passionate advocate for person-centred support, Claire believes Shared Lives offers people the opportunity to live fulfilling lives with choice, independence and meaningful connections. She is also a strong supporter of the role Shared Lives Plus plays in connecting members, sharing best practice and influencing policy to strengthen the sector.
“I have a deep passion for working closely with people in true partnership. My drive for people's right to equality regularly sees me on the frontline of services, where I can best understand people's experiences and work alongside them to influence and shape the future.”
Claire has previously served as a trustee on the Shared Lives Plus Board and brings extensive experience of governance, leadership and collaboration. As Chair, she hopes to champion innovation, encourage open dialogue and strengthen the connection between Shared Lives schemes and the Board of Trustees.
Ben Grimes appointed your Voice Carer Chair
Ben Grimes has been voted for by our Shared Lives carer members, and appointed as the new Your Voice Carer Chair, representing Shared Lives carers on the Shared Lives Plus Board of Trustees.
A Shared Lives carer from Bristol, Ben brings more than 15 years of Shared Lives experience to the role, alongside a deep commitment to championing carers, promoting person-centred support and ensuring the voices of people who draw on Shared Lives services remain at the heart of decision-making.
As Chair, Ben is passionate about strengthening the Shared Lives movement, supporting carers and helping more people benefit from the life-changing impact of Shared Lives.
“I will bring a clear and authentic voice for carers, making sure their experiences, concerns and ideas are heard and reflected in decision-making. I am committed to ensuring the voices of carers and the people we support remain central to everything we do.”
Ben is also keen to raise awareness of Shared Lives among partners, commissioners and communities, helping the model continue to grow while staying true to its values of dignity, compassion, inclusion and belonging.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Your Voice Carer Chair, Drusilla Lloyd, for her dedication, insight and passionate advocacy on behalf of Shared Lives carers. Everyone at Shared Lives Plus has greatly valued working with Drusilla, and we are grateful for the contribution she has made during her time in the role.
Looking ahead
Together, Claire and Ben bring a wealth of experience, insight and commitment to their new roles. We look forward to working with them as they help strengthen the voice of Shared Lives members and support the continued growth of Shared Lives across the UK.
