Information for Personal Assistant Employers

Welcome to the Information for Employers section of Hampshire PA Finder. This resource has been developed to support employers with navigating the process of hiring and managing Personal Assistants (PAs). Here, you will find valuable guidance on recruiting a PA, including tips on interviewing, conducting checks, and managing the employment aspects such as payroll and insurance.

Please explore our resources to make informed decisions and create a supportive environment for your Personal Assistant.

Using the navigation bar on the right hand side you can find further information and guidance, such as

• Recruiting a PA (interviewing tips, checks and references)
• Recruiting a PA (interviewing tips, checks and references)
• Things to do before your PA starts (including payroll and insurance)
• How to manage and develop your PA
• Sorting out any problems (including safeguarding and abuse)

A Personal Assistant can provide you with support for a wide range of tasks such as: 

• Going to activities or on days out
• Help with work or education 
• Using transport and getting out and about 
• Personal care 
• Making meals 
• Domestic help around the house 

There are lots of advantages to having your own Personal Assistant. You will have more choice and control over how your support needs are met. You get to decide who to employ, you can find someone you have a good connection with, or enjoys similar interests to you. You can decide how many Personal Assistants you need, what tasks they can support you with and the days and times that work for you.  

You can find more information about the benefits of employing a Personal Assistant from Disability Rights UK. 

If you have been assessed as being eligible to receive care which is funded by your local authority, you can choose to receive Direct Payments. You can use your Direct Payments to employ a Personal Assistant in Care. 

If you do not want to be assessed by your local authority, or you are not eligible for funding, you can pay for a Personal Assistant in Care privately. 

You may be receiving a Personal Health Budget from the NHS which could be used to employ a Personal Assistant in Care. 

You’ll spend a lot of time with your Personal Assistant, so communication is really important. Giving feedback and managing issues as they come up will mean you can maintain a good relationship that works for both of you. 

Scope has information about how to manage problems with your Personal Assistant, including giving feedback, tips on how to have a good working relationship with your Personal Assistant, and how to dismiss your Personal Assistant if things aren’t working. 

Skills for Care also has information about how to manage problems.