Personal Assistants

Your Guide to Finding a Personal Assistant

If you need some help or advice in recruiting a personal assistant, contact the Direct Payments Support Team on -

Members of our team are available and will be happy to help.

For more information and general guidance on employing a personal assistant, see the Skills for Care website.

Deciding if a PA is right for you

Personal assistants (PAs) are employed to help people who need social care support, either because of their age or disability, to enable them to live as independently as possible in their home.

To find out more talk to a member of the Direct Payment Support Team. You can find their contact details at the top of this page.

The Direct Payment Support Team can support you to set things up, such as working out a rate you would like to pay, Terms and Conditions and Job Descriptions . It's also a good idea to write a job description and, if you feel comfortable doing so, a covering letter for the job that you're advertising. 

How to advertise for a PA and interview

  • Advertise your requirements: unless you already know who you want to employ, think about placing your advert in the local newspaper and on job recruitment sites.
  • Decide which applicants meet the requirements of your job: you can ring the Direct Payment Support Team if you are having difficulty with this. Their contact details can be found at the top of this page.
  • Interview your chosen applicants: ask everyone the same questions and make notes. Don't forget to ask for proof of legal entitlement to work in the UK. You can also give the successful candidate a call but you must also offer the job in writing. 
  • Carry out checks for the successful candidate: you should send for 2 references (one should always be from a previous job) and think about having a DBS (police) check done.

How to employ a PA

You might have to think about any training your chosen PA might need before they start work. The Direct Payment Support Team can give information about free training.

It's good practice to meet your PA before they start to show them the ropes and introduce them to other staff. Remember - employer's liability insurance must be taken out, by law, before your PA starts work. 

Set up your financial arrangements. Organisations that provide a payroll service can be found in our marketplace.

Don't forget to give your PA terms and conditions of employment and have regular meetings with your PA.

Remember, please take advice before dismissing staff to make sure you do it correctly.