What is A Personal Assistant?
A Personal Assistant or 'PA' is a commonly used term to describe someone who is employed directly by a disabled person or older person to provide the help and support they need to live independently and to have greater choice and control.
The work done by a PA is extremely varied and depends on the support that the person with a health or social care need requires. It might range from help around the home, helping someone with their admin and paperwork, providing personal care, supporting someone in the community or with social or leisure activities. Some PAs may even accompany their employer on holiday!
Anyone can work as a PA. Specific experience is often not needed as its more about finding the right kind of person, whatever someone's background may be. The hours are varied and can be full or part-time.
What is the PA Noticeboard and how can it help?
The PA Noticeboard is an exciting FREE scheme that lists PAs looking for work and Direct Employers looking for PAs. You can see some of the vacancies that are available and can add your details to the PA Noticeboard as a PA looking for work. Juust register onto the site and submit a PA Application form. Go to the PA Noticeboard to find out more.
If you have any queries on the PA Noticeboard please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Is there training available?
Depending on your employer's needs, it may be necessary for you to undertake training. Brighton and Hove City Council do have some training available for PAs. This will need to be organised through your employer and we suggest they contact the Workforce Development Team at Brighton and Hove City Council on 01273 296185 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
There is an e-learning package available that can be used as an induction tool for new PAs or for those who would like an idea of what being a PA involves. This FREE package has been developed by Kwango in collaboration with the Federation and other local colleagues including Skills for Care.
Useful Documents
The following Personal Assistant Guides are available online. Please click on the guide you are interested in to take you to the online booklet.
'Supporting Me' A guide for Personal Assistants employed by or for someone with mental health issues
Permitted Work on Benefits and other useful related information
For accurate and up-to-date information on the above please log on to www.direct.gov.uk There you will find information on subjects such as Job Seekers Allowance, ESA, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit you may be entitled to. In addition you can get advice and guidance on the National Minimum Wage, Tax, becoming Self Employed and National Insurance. There is also further information available on the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dwp.gov.uk
Information for Self Employed PAs
Important - HMRC may not consider you as self-employed, even if you invoice for your work.
Risks involved are HMRC may chase employer for unpaid tax by employee; if a dispute happens between Employer and Employee then a Tribunal could see the role as an employed role. The advice given is for a DP client to check the HMRC website employment status tool to confirm whether the role is employed or self employed. It is not a choice for the PA to take the option of being self employed from HMRC point of view as the role has to fit the Status tool.
The DP user has to make a decision on the affect of changing the employment status of there PA will have on the overall DP support package.
If the DP user chooses to accept the risk after the signed off advice then that is there call and risk.
Insurance is required whether as a self employed PA or employed.
For more information go to the HMRC page.
Criminal Records Bureau Checks
For up-to-date information on Criminal Records Bureau checks, please log on to the following website www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk
Car Insurance for PAs
If you are Personal Assistant or Carer and use your car whilst carrying out duties for work you must have suitable insurance. This means your car insurance policy must cover you for business use. Your own car insurance should cover business use for free. There are many providers that do. One that we know of is FISH insurance which offers you business use on your car free of charge.For more details call 0800 012 6329 or look at their website www.fishinsurance.co.uk
The At Home Childcare Service
Run by the Family Information Service, is recruiting childcarers. For more information click on this link or contact Sian Bruce, at the Family Information Service. Tel: (01273) 293545 or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Useful Websites
Useful Leaflets and Information
Safeguarding adults means making sure that vulnerable adults are protected from abuse. Protecting and safeguarding adults is everybody's business. If you, or another vulnerable adult you know is being harmed in any way by another person please do not ignore it. This attached Brighton and Hove City Council leaflet provides information on safeguarding adults and what to do if you think someone is being abused, or if someone is abusing you. Click here for leaflet.