This week, Think Local Act Personal, a partnership of people and organisations working to make care and support more personalised, have launched a new guide to support good practice in employing Personal Assistants (PAs).
Personal Assistant Employment Status: A Guide to Support Good Practice has been developed collaboratively by Think Local Act Personal, the Independent Living Group, the National Direct Payments Forum and Community Catalysts along with those with lived experience.
The guide explores how employment the employment status of PAs works in the context of care and support whether being paid through self-funding or through the use of direct payments.
Misunderstandings – particularly around self-employed arrangements – can create legal and financial risks for individuals and organisations and can leave people unsure about whether their arrangements are set up correctly.
Martin Walker, Head of Practice Development (Self-Directed Support) at Think Local Act Personal, said:
“For many people, Personal Assistants play a vital role in enabling people to live their lives with choice and control – as do other flexible arrangements and micro-providers. But there can be risks for everyone involved if things are not lawfully structured. I hope that this new guide will be useful to people looking to arrange the flexible care and support they need to live their life their way.”
Drawing on current legislation, relevant case law and multi-agency discussion, the guide explores how employment status works in the context of PA arrangements and includes practical scenarios and indicators to support informed decision-making.
It is intended to support local authorities, Direct Payment support services, advisers, people who draw on care and support (including those who self-fund), and Personal Assistants themselves.
The guide is guidance to support good practice. It is not legal advice but aims to help people navigate a complex area with greater clarity and confidence.
