The Blue Light Card

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Find out more about the Blue Light Card. PAs are currently not eligible for the card, but you may be eligible if you work in another social care role.

ID Badges for PAs

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

What’s the difference between Employed and Self-Employed PAs?

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It is important for anyone considering taking on a PA to understand the difference in employment status between an employee and a self-employed PA. This can affect their legal relationship and financial agreements between them. Find out more about how to determine if a PA is employed or self-employed.

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.

Covid-19 guidance for Personal Assistants

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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.

Support for PAs who are also unpaid carers

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You may be working as a Personal Assistant and also support someone else in your life, unpaid - like a family member or friend. This article explains what support is available to you if you are an unpaid carer.

There is Free Support Available for PAs

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Anyone who is a PA, or thinking about becoming one, can access free help, guidance or support. Find out more about what's available.

Personal Assistant Programme Board

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Find out more about the Personal Assistant Programme Board, which aims to improve things for PAs, and by extension employers, across Scotland.

Minimum hourly rate for PAs

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Each year, the Scottish Government sets the minimum hourly rate of pay for Personal Assistants. This article explains what the current national minimum rate of pay for PAs is.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG): For PAs

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New/Updated
Find out about the upcoming changes to the PVG scheme for Personal Assistants, which come into force in April 2025.

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.