PA Training Methods

Training can be provided by a PA employer in different ways, including:

  •  Discussing with, explaining and/or showing a PA how you want something to be done
  • Creating your own resources, like an instruction manual for how to do a certain task
  • Providing your PA with the chance to reflect on how they do their job.

As well as providing informal training yourself, you may wish to access training delivered by a provider:

  • Online, by an e-learning website, webinar, or video call.
  • In-person, at their premises or by a home visit.

Training may involve a mix of theory and practical examples in certain areas.

Reasons to consider using a training provider may include:

Meeting insurance requirements

Your insurance provider may request that your PA completes certain training, in areas such as:

  • Moving and Assisting
  • First Aid
  • Food Hygiene
  • Administering Medication

This is because training in these areas could help with keeping your PA safe at work. If the insurer asks that your PA completes certain training and you don’t offer the training to the PA, this could invalidate any insurance claims you make in future.

Access expertise in certain topics

Using a training provider also means you can make sure that if you aren’t knowledgeable in a certain subject area, that your PA still has the chance to learn the information.

You could also attend the training with your PA so that you can become more knowledgeable in that subject area at the same time. It could be useful for you and your PA to be able to get a trainer’s perspective on certain aspects of how the role is performed.

Could save you time

Instead of developing your own training from scratch, there are many experienced training providers who have already developed and delivered the training you may be looking for, which could save you time.

Use of training spaces and equipment

Some training providers have in-person spaces where the training can take place. Some training providers will have different pieces of equipment that can be used during the training.

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Last Updated
04 March 2025
First Published
04 March 2025
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Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.