Training for PA Employers and PAs

Centres for Inclusive Living, Disabled Peoples’ Organisations (DPOs), and other local Independent Support Organisations may offer basic training to both Personal Assistants (PAs) employers and PAs. You can learn more about Independent Support Organisations and find the one nearest you using this resource.

Information and training for employers should include

• Safe recruitment
• Staff induction
• Health & safety
• Being a good employer
• Employer administration responsibilities
• Understanding basic employment rights
• Payroll and related topics

Training for PAs may include the following and may be led by disabled trainers with experience of employing PA(s)

• Disability Equality training
• Role, responsibilities and rights of a PA
• Health and Safety, risk assessment, moving and assisting, assisting other PAs, long-term conditions etc.

For insurance and accreditation purposes, some PA training must be delivered by a qualified trainer.

PA employers have a responsibility to ensure that their PA(s) receive any relevant training related to their role. It is important that a PA adheres to the guidance given within training as this is often a legal requirement.

PAs must adhere to trained procedures and should avoid ‘taking shortcuts’ even if/when it might be seen as being convenient. This is important for the health and safety of both the employer and the employee. Untrained PAs can impact on employer’s insurance and could have legal consequences.

PA training can often be seen as expensive. If a PA employer is legally required to provide certain training, they must ensure that the associated cost is built into their care package.

Next steps

You can find further information on training at the PA Network Scotland website found below