Getting to know Ewan King CEO

In the last edition of Sharing Magazine Ewan introduced himself, and in this edition you have the chance to get to know what he’s been up to in his first two months and more about him on a personal level.

Ewan has been visiting Shared Lives carers and schemes in all four countries of the UK. He is also focusing on the future of Shared Lives.

“Shared Lives, with all the promise it holds, has yet to grow to its potential. Our recent analysis of local authority areas shows that just 1-2% of their local population with a learning disability, and who draw on social care support, are accessing Shared Lives.” Says Ewan.

“In the last few months, we have been trying to find out what works in supporting Shared Lives to grow. As you would hope, there is lot of good practice about. I've heard from Shared Lives carers how tough it is at the moment, not only with the cost of living, but also as day support has not restarted everywhere meaning you're not getting breaks, and in some places respite has reduced too."

"We have got to make things better for Shared Lives carers in all these areas: through our Invaluable pay campaign which will show us where some areas haven't included Shared Lives in the annual adult social care pay reviews, as well as the impact this has on your wellbeing. We need to help local authorities get things right for you now, as well as recruit new carers.”

“If the mantra for how we develop social care is increasingly about ‘giving people a life not a service’, then now is the time grow Shared Lives.”

We were also shocked to read the Care Quality Commission’s latest report into the State of Social Care and released a statement:

“We are appalled by the huge inequalities highlighted in the report that autistic people and people with learning disabilities continue to face when accessing care and support. In particular, we are concerned by the many people who continue to spend unnecessary and lengthy periods of time in closed culture care settings.

“We call upon the government to invest in the cost-effective, high quality and person-centred Shared Lives care model.”

Quickfire questions and answers!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I get to meet brilliant people almost every day – carers, people who are part of Shared Lives, workers and the great team at Shared Lives Plus.

Q: How would your best friend describe you?

A: Kind, I hope funny (sometimes) but also forgetful

Q: What’s your dream job (other than Shared Lives Plus CEO)?

A: Novelist – I want to write the great British novel!

Q: If you could have dinner with one famous person (dead or alive) who would it be?

A: Joshua Wong, a young political activist in Hong Kong who led the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. He is very brave and currently in prison.

Q: What’s your favourite film?

A: Heat (the one where Al Pacino and Robert De Nero meet in a café!)

Q: What’s something not many people know about you? A:I am obsessed with Korean drama.

Q: What is your favourite sport?

A: Has to be football. I support Hearts in Scotland, and Everton in England.

Q: What are three things on your bucket list?

A: Visit South Korea, Go on a road trip across the US, Watch Scotland in the World Cup finals – please, make it happen!

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: Swamp with warmth. When things are tricky and conversations are difficult, be warm and engaging.

Q: What’s your worst habit?

A: Forgetting my keys.

Q: What’s your family like?

A: My wife is Chinese, so we have a lot of amazing Chinese food. I have three lovely children, Noah, Ben and Bella.