Decision details

To consider a series of proposals around Shared Lives systems and processes to be potentially implemented as part of the new Shared Lives Operating Model commencing 1st November 2023.

It has been agreed to procure the Shared Lives Scheme with a revised operating model which includes an evaluation tool to support assessment for new placements with refined payment terms for Shared Lives Carers

To procure an efficient and effective Shared Lives service in North Yorkshire with a revised operating model - a model that achieves excellent outcomes for people and communities and adds value to the supported accommodation pathway. In order to procure the service a review of the operating model has been completed and as a result, a revised operating model was put forward for decision to ensure the service is visible, accessible and deliver meaningful outcomes for people. The revised operating model includes the introduction of a new Shared Lives Placement Evaluation Tool. This will help to better understand individuals’ strengths and abilities as they enter the service, ensuring that the service builds on those strengths and that the person achieves more meaningful outcomes through their Shared Lives placement. The tool has been designed by the Shared Lives Steering Group, drawing on national best practice.

A Simplified carer payment model with paid carer break.
The current payment process for Shared Lives carers is complex and confusing, with multiple payment levels for different tasks. Care and support colleagues, and carers themselves, find the model difficult to understand. The new operating model will simplify the payment process including a 1 week paid break for carer respite. The payment took has been designed to ensure that carers income will slightly increase whilst maintaining the contract value.

The decision to procure the service with a revised operating model will simplify and standardise the current payment model so it is easy for carers, practitioners and the new Shared Lives provider to understand and apply consistently. It will also ensure payments are more directly aligned to the cared for person’s assessed needs, ensuring fairness, equity and transparency and introduces a paid carer break of one week.

Shared Lives remains significantly less expensive than other forms of accommodation with care, with good outcomes for people, the procurement will include a clear ambition to the market for the services to further develop and grow over time.

Alternative models of commissioning had been considered and rejected at Executive meetings in July 2022. This paper submitted a singular proposal to offer added value to a previously agreed approach