Direct Payments
Employing a Personal Assistant (PA)
You can employ a Personal Assistant(s) to assist you to live independently and do the things you need or want to do, enabling you to lead an independent lifestyle in your own home and within the community.
Benefits of having a Personal Assistant:
- They work when you need them
- They support you in a way that suits your life and goals
- You have control over who helps you and how
The Direct Payment Service provided by Disability Positive can help you with recruiting, managing, and training a Personal Assistant.
Recruiting a Personal Assistant(s)
The benefit of employing a Personal Assistant(s) is that you can feel confident that you’re employing the right person to ensure that you can live a great life. Having choice and control of employing your Personal Assistant(s) means that you can choose a person(s) who has the skills and values you need.
In the recruitment process there are several things to think about. Our Direct Payment Service can support you with the process. There are also some great resources available on the Skills for Care Website.
you must ensure you provide a clear contract of employment. This contract should detail job duties, working hours, salary, holiday entitlement, and notice periods. The contract ensures both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. The Direct Payment Support Service or your insurer can help you with this.
You can use a payroll service of your choice, who will provide payslip processing, ensuring accurate calculations for tax, National Insurance and pension contributions as well as assisting with various employer responsibilities, such as calculating statutory sick pay, issuing P60s and P45s, and submitting all required documentation to HMRC. Alternatively, you can manage payroll yourself by registering with HMRC and using their tools. You should pay your Personal Assistant in line with the Local Living Wage. More information can be found on our Local living wage page.
Redundancy may occur if the Personal Assistant(s) role is no longer needed due to changes in care needs or funding. You must have insurance which covers redundancy.
Your Personal Assistant(s) are entitled to statutory maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for your Personal Assistant(s). This will include conducting regular risk assessments, providing necessary training, and implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Having suitable insurance cover is essential. You must ensure that your insurance policy covers all necessary aspects of employment including redundancy.
Maintaining detailed records of the recruitment and employment process, including contracts, payment records, leave documentation, and any incidents or accidents. Proper record-keeping ensures transparency, aids in managing future queries, and helps you stay compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
Managing and developing your Personal Assistant(s)
Managing and developing your Personal Assistant(s) will ensure they are in the best position to meet your needs.
There are several things to think about when managing and developing your Personal Assistant(s). Our Direct Payment Service can support you with the process. There are also some great resources available on the Skills for Care Website. Managing and developing your PA.
- Induction – a good induction process helps your Personal Assistant(s) get started and settled into their new role smoothly. This should include an overview of their responsibilities, getting to know your needs and preferences, as well as health and safety requirements.
- Supervision - regular supervision ensures your Personal Assistant(s) is meeting expectations and provides an opportunity for feedback and support.
- Day-to-Day Management: Being a Good Employer - as a good employer, you should treat your Personal Assistant(s) with respect and fairness. Clearly communicate your needs and expectations while also being approachable and supportive. Ensure a safe working environment and adhere to legal requirements such as fair pay, working hours, and holiday entitlements.
- Training and Qualifications - investing in your Personal Assistants training and development ensures they have the skills needed to provide high-quality care.
- Apprenticeships - consider offering apprenticeships to recruit and train new Personal Assistant(s). Apprenticeships provide structured training and work experience, often funded by government schemes.
Sorting out challenges
There will be times when things don’t always go to plan or need to be changed/ improved.
There are several things to think about when you encounter problems. Our Direct Payment Service can support you at these times. More information can also be found on the Recruitment support section of the Skills for Care website.
Develop a plan for managing absences to ensure your care and support needs can continue to be met. This might include arranging for backup Personal Assistant’s, using agency staff, or getting help from family and friends.
If you're not happy with your Personal Assistant(s) performance, address the issue promptly and constructively. If the issue continues or something serious happens, you should follow disciplinary proceedings.
It is important your Personal Assistant(s) feels comfortable discussing any issues. Regular supervision can help identify and resolve problems early. If the issues continue you should direct them to your grievance policy.
If you experience abuse from your Personal Assistant(s), it’s crucial you take immediate action to protect yourself. If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the Police by calling 999. Further information can be found on our Raising concerns page.
Templates
In addition to support provided by our Direct Payment Service, you can also access free templates on the Skills for Care Website which may be helpful to you in your role as an employer.
