The guide for people employing, or thinking of employing, a Personal Assistant in Scotland.

If you are employing a Personal Assistant in Scotland, or thinking about becoming a PA employer, this Handbook will guide you through what you need to know.

A Personal Assistant (PA) in social care is usually employed directly by someone receiving an Option One Direct Payment to meet their support needs. A PA provides support as directed by their employer, helping them live their day-to-day life and work towards their personal outcomes.

The Handbook also includes information for Direct Payment holders who may be considering engaging a self-employed worker. However, because this is primarily a handbook for PA employers, most of the guidance relates to employment. This includes the risks of engaging someone on a self-employed basis when they may still be regarded as an employee or worker under employment or tax law.

The guide is designed to inform broadly, or you can jump straight to sections such as recruiting a Personal Assistant, your responsibilities as an employer, and using a self-employed worker. Or simply chat with Clara, the AI assistant found on any page, to find what you need to know.

Support for employing a Personal Assistant in Scotland

Look for the links to Learning and DocLaunch in the menu, these are practical resources to support PA employers recruit and manage PAs. And you can ask the SDS Artificial Assistant Clara anything including how to find free local support, training or payroll services.

Ask Clara questions by clicking the button at the bottom right, or by phoning 0800 841 1321 to start a conversation.