PA Induction
When starting work as a Personal Assistant (PA) a proper induction process should be undertaken with your employer from your very first day. Some things can be introduced as and when appropriate but there are some basic things that all PAs should know right from the start.
Written statement of employment or contract of employment
All PAs should be given a written statement that sets out the terms and conditions of their employment. You can find out more about what your contract should include at the link at the bottom of this page.
Regular work meetings with your employer
It is good practice for both parties to meet regularly to discuss how things are going and where either party can raise any work issues. Notes should be taken at these meetings that both parties should sign as being accurate.
Both parties should be confident that they are able to raise any issues that arise and that the other party will listen to them. It is a good idea to discuss with your employer how you will communicate with each other in case any difficulties or disagreements arise.
Values
Your induction may include your employer explaining their values, to reflect what is important to them.
Shift changes
If you are on a regular shift pattern, there may be times you need to change shift. Your employer will decide what reasons they will allow for shift changes, recognising they can be disruptive to the employer and/or supported person. Your employer should give you guidance on how much notice they would like from you about changing your shifts, and how to discuss this with them.
House rules
Your employer should go over any rules that apply in the supported person’s house. They should also explain what they want you to do if equipment or belongings are accidentally damaged.
Driving your employer’s vehicle and insurance
If you are required to use your employer’s vehicle for work, your induction should include any processes and procedures around this. Your employer should also ensure you are fully insured for using the vehicle.
Team work
If you work as part of a team of PAs, your induction may include a discussion of how to work best as a team. This discussion may also include the other PAs.
Breaks
Your employer should go over the procedures for taking breaks during work, during your induction.
Care plan or work notebook
Your employer may want you to use a care plan or work notebook to note down anything significant that occurred while you were working. If so, they should cover how to do this in your induction, and the type of things they want you to record.
Absence procedure
As well as outlining what you should do when you are unwell, your employer should also make you aware of what documentation you must produce during an extended period of absence eg. a sick note from your doctor. They should also explain to you how to book holidays and days off.
Training applicable to your job
It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that you receive any mandatory training required in order that you can carry out your job safely. They should discuss with you during the induction how your training will be provided and when.
Employer’s emergency plan
It is good practice for your employer to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency, particularly if you are a lone worker. In your induction your employer should make sure you know where this plan is kept and who to contact in an emergency. It should also be explained what to do if the person you are supporting is unexpectedly admitted to hospital and how this could affect your employment.
Health and safety
Your induction should cover any health and safety measures your employer has in place. You should discuss and agree your responsibilities if an emergency eg. a fire occurs when you are at work. It is worthwhile to work with your employer on a personal evacuation plan that you both can become familiar with.
Your employer should also have an accident book where all accidents or near misses should be recorded.
Confidentiality
Your induction should cover how your employer expects you to treat any information you may become party to in your work. They may have a confidentiality policy they want you to read. Your employer should also explain how they will treat your personal information. Find out more about confidentiality and data protection at work in the link to the article ‘GDPR’ at the bottom of this page.
Next steps
Ask your employer about their induction process and ensure you have all the information you need to do your job. Check out the articles below for more information on each of the topics.