Scheme specialised training

Scheme training is delivered by Shared Lives Plus staff who have worked in schemes themselves and deliver the courses from a place of learning and experience, with real world examples. 

Cathy McSweeney – Membership Support Manager  

Cathy worked for a Shared Lives scheme for eight years before joining Shared LIves Plus as a Scheme Support Officer, nearly 10 years ago. Cathy has undergone the Train the Trainer training and has delivered My Shared Life, induction and other scheme training in her time with Shared Lives Plus. Cathy is passionate in providing good support to all members, to help schemes and carers to provide quality Shared Lives care and support. 

Nicola Watson – Nations Officer 

Nicola supports schemes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to deliver personalised care that aligns with each nation’s legislation and regulatory frameworks. She spent nine years working within a scheme in Scotland, followed by her role as Scotland and Wales Development Officer at Shared Lives Plus before moving into her current position. Outside of work, Nicola is an adoptive parent, giving her unique insight into both sides of assessment, panel and support. 

The assessment, approval and de-approval of Shared Lives carers are a critical process that ensures the success, safety, and effectiveness of Shared Lives for people who use or live in Shared Lives arrangements. The Shared Lives panel provides independent scrutiny and quality assurance and is integral to this process.  

This training is for potential panel members and scheme staff, supporting in the development and delivery of robust and effective Shared Lives carer approvals. There are two sessions to give in-depth information and guidance to establish a panel and support the workers to prepare for panels. A scheme can book either or both sessions, depending on what is needed locally.  

The panel training is delivered over 2.5hrs and includes the following learning areas: 

• The overview and context of panel
• The role and responsibilities of the panel  
• Panel roles and composition 
• What a good panel looks like 
• Preparing a good assessment  
• Panel recommendations and advice  
• The panel’s involvement with Shared Lives carer reviews and de-approval 

The staff team training is delivered over 2 hours and includes the following learning areas: 

• The assessment and approval processes for new Shared Lives carers 
• Panel operating processes 
• Panel advice and recommendations 
• Shared Lives carer reviews requiring advice and recommendations from Panel 
• The panel’s involvement with Shared Lives carer de-approval 
• Studying a sample assessment report and examples 

The assessment of Shared Lives carers is a critical process that ensures the success, safety, and effectiveness of Shared Lives for people who use Shared Lives. This training is for scheme workers, supporting in the development and delivery of robust and effective Shared Lives carer assessments. This training offers a grounding in assessment skills for new workers and helps develop and refine skills for experienced workers.

The staff team training is delivered over 2 ½ hours and includes the following learning areas:

• Carer recruitment 
• Before the assessment begins 
• Carer assessment form and process 
• Carer assessment – in theory and practice 
• Summarising the assessment 

Once Shared Lives carers are assessed, approved and matched with someone, that is when the real work for them begins! The Shared Lives worker has a vital role in ensuring that the carer and their individual/s are well supp

orted and that the arrangement is safe and effective. 

The staff team training is delivered over 2 ½ hours and includes the following learning areas: 

• Difference between carer support and monitoring and carer review
• The function of carer support and monitoring and reviews 
• The process of carer support and monitoring and reviews 
• Preparing for a carer’s annual review 
• Working with carers who are difficult to engage 
• Skills and knowledge needed by the Shared Lives worker 
• Giving feedback to Shared Lives carers 

Our scheme specialised training is fully tailored to your needs; we collaborate with you to clarify your goals and shape your training; providing an initial indicative fee which we refine together to ensure best value.

Get in touch with the training team to discuss further: training@sharedlivesplus.org.uk