Employing a Personal Assistant
Self-Directed Support (SDS) gives you the flexibility to choose who provides your care and when it is delivered.
If you choose to receive a Direct Payment, you have the option to employ your own Personal Assistant (PA). However, becoming an employer comes with certain responsibilities.
Responsibilities of a direct payment employer
If you decide to employ a PA using your Direct Payment, you will be responsible for:
- running payroll and ensuring tax and National Insurance contributions are paid
- arranging indemnity and public liability insurance
- creating and maintaining an employment contract
- ensuring your PA has completed appropriate training
- confirming your PA has an up-to-date PVG certificate from Disclosure Scotland
- providing access to an occupational pension scheme
- paying your PA at least the recognised Living Wage
Employing a family member is generally not permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Payroll support and resources
You can manage payroll yourself or seek support. Get help:
Local support organisations
These organisations can help with finding and employing a PA, payroll, and other aspects of being an employer:
Cantraybridge College
3 Cantray Square, Croy, IV2 5PP
Phone: 01667 213136
Email: admin@cantraybridge.co.uk
Visit: Cantraybridge College Website
Jude’s Homecare
1A Huntly Terrace, Inverness, IV3 5PS
Phone:
Visit: Jude’s Homecare website
VAL – Voluntary Action Lochaber
Phone: 01397 706044
Visit: VAL Website
National support
Personal Assistants Network Scotland
Phone: 01563 522551
Email: info@panetworkscotland.org.uk
Visit: PA Network Scotland website