A Guide on how to set up as a Self-Employed PA

New/Updated
A short guide outlining key areas for PAs to consider if they are looking to become a self-employed PA.

Adult Support and Protection

PAs have responsibilities for preventing harm to vulnerable people, which could mean their employer, and should report their concerns. This article tells you when and how.

An Introduction to Self-directed Support (for PAs)

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A basic introduction to what SDS is, how you can access support and the 4 options of SDS

Being Employed as a PA by a Family Member

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It is possible for a PA to be employed by a family member to provide care and support to them. However, this is still seen as an 'exceptional circumstance', which means it wouldn't normally happen unless it is for specific reasons.

Checking Your Employment Rights

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To understand your employment rights you need to know what your employment status is and this provides further information on the relevant rights for different types of workers

Child Protection

Find out what your duties are as a PA, to protect children who are at risk of abuse.

Covid-19 guidance for Personal Assistants

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New/Updated
There are now no official Covid-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. However, this page includes some things you may wish to consider around Covid-19 as a Personal Assistant.

Description of the Personal Assistant (PA)

A personal assistant (PA) works directly with one or more disabled people, to support them with various aspects of their daily life so that they can live it in a way they choose. Find out more about the role of a Personal Assistant here.

Developing Your Relationship With Your Employer

Why it's important to develop a positive working relationship with your employer, which builds trust, openness and flexibility.

Disability Discrimination at Work

Increasing the understanding of what disability discrimination is and when an employer can make decisions based on disability

Disabled PAs and Reasonable Adjustments

What is a reasonable adjustment, what do employers have to do and what can employees expect

Getting help to sort out problems

New/Updated
Find out what help Personal Assistants and PA Employers can get if they have any problems managing their relationship.

History of the PA Role

The Personal Assistant (PA) role was developed by disabled people as they campaigned for equality. Find out more about the journey taken by disabled people with a specific focus on the development of the PA role here.

How to Manage Performing Duties Outside of Your Job Description

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Find out what you can do if you are asked to do something outwith your usual duties or job description.

ID Badges for PAs

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New/Updated
The PA Network Scotland offers free ID badges to all PAs working in Scotland. Find out how to order yours.

If You Need to Say ‘No’ to Your Employer

There might be times when you have to consider whether a request from your employer is acceptable or not and whether you should refuse this or not.

Independent Living in Scotland

The law around social care support in Scotland is underpinned by the idea of Independent Living, and Personal Assistance supports Independent Living. Read more about Independent Living here.

Induction for PAs

What can be included in an Induction when you start a new job, so you can start to familiarise yourself with the role of a PA and what you employer expects of you.

Jury Service for PA Employers and PAs

New/Updated
Information about what jury service involves and how to apply to be excused from jury service if you are a PA or a PA Employer.

Knowing Who Your Employer Is

Make sure that you know who your employer is, whether this is the person you are supporting or their parent or Guardian.

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.