Selecting a Suitable PA Training Provider
Before you look for training, it is important to identify your own criteria for finding a training provider that will best meet the needs of your PA(s).
Things you may want to consider are:
- What is it that my PA needs and/or wants to learn?
- Has my insurer specified that I need to provide training for my PA(s)?
- Do I have enough money in my budget?
- Will the training be accessible for me and/or my PA?
- Can the course be tailored to mine and my PA’s needs?
- How is the training delivered?
- Where and when can the training take place?
It is a good idea to speak to several different training providers, so you can compare what they offer and decide which training provider is likely to suit you best.
If you require additional funds to provide training, you should request a review of your budget to include training costs. You can read more about requesting a review of your budget in the SDS handbook, linked below.
It may be cheaper to access training if you arrange to access training alongside other Personal Assistant Employers and their PAs. You may be able to find peer networks of other Personal Assistant Employers and their PAs who are also considering accessing training using the Find Help tool.
Some local authorities can offer training for PAs. You could ask your social worker if this is the case in your local authority area, and how you can access it. For example, it may be through an online booking system, or your social worker books it on your behalf.
Some training providers who offer more than one type of training course may offer a discount if you use them to deliver more than one training course.
Your employer liability insurer may provide access to some training courses as part of their service.
Next Steps
A local Independent Support Organisation may be able to help you source a suitable training provider. Search for their details using the Find Help search tool below.