Recruiting a PA

Individuals who hire their own support (known as Individual Employers) should have control over how they are supported in living a full and meaningful life, starting with the recruitment of a Personal Assistant.

As an Individual Employer, you have the ability to choose the right person with the appropriate values and skills.

The recruitment decision can be based on your unique health and care needs, as well as who can assist in achieving your personal interests and goals.

A job description outlines the tasks you want your Personal Assistant to perform.

A person specification details the skills, experience, and personal qualities you'd like your Personal Assistant to possess.

If you have a care plan, consider any specific requirements that should be included when writing both the job description and person specification.

Think about the qualities that would make the ideal Personal Assistant for you.

- List the skills you need, such as whether you require someone who can drive or has strong communication abilities.

- Consider their values, such as a good sense of humour, patience, or the ability to use their initiative.

- Outline the tasks you expect them to perform, like supporting you at work, assisting with personal care, attending social events, or preparing meals.

- You might also want to factor in your cultural and religious needs, and whether it's important for you to hire someone who understands them.

Your job advert should include the following details – keep in mind, this is about the type of person you want to hire as your personal assistant.

Who you want to apply:

- Provide a brief description of the type of person you're looking for.

- Consider the values, skills, experience, and qualifications they should have.

- Specify whether you require someone with particular experience or qualifications (or both) to meet your needs.

If it's important for the person to be male or female, explain why. For example, if the role involves intimate personal care, and you prefer someone of the same gender, make sure to state this clearly.

**Be mindful of the Equality Act, which prevents discrimination and promotes equal opportunities**

Hours, type of work and main duties:
Specify the days and times you require your personal assistant to work.

Rate of pay:
You must pay at least the national living wage.

General location:
Indicate the general location where they will be working, but avoid providing your home address at this stage.

Application form or Curriculum Vitae (CV)? 
Explain how you would like them to apply, such as by filling out an application form or sending you their CV.

Closing date for applications:
Select a closing date that allows enough time for people to view and apply for the job, with at least two weeks being the typical minimum.

References: 
Mention that you will request references, typically two.

Explore options for advertising a Personal Assistant. Your direct payment or Personal Health Budget advisor, as well as local support organizations, may offer additional useful suggestions

Personal Assistant Register:


A list of available Personal Assistants for hire, which can also be used by individuals seeking to employ one. Your local council or a user-led organization may maintain such a register—look up their contact details for more information.

Word of Mouth:


You might know someone who could be interested in becoming your personal assistant. Before approaching them, it's important to consider how an employer-employee relationship might impact your personal connection.

Local Shops or Favourite Spots:


Post an advertisement on the notice boards of local shops or places you frequent. This could help you connect with individuals in your area who share similar interests. 

Online:


You can advertise on the ‘Advertise a Job’ website, a free online job listing platform, or use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There may be other relevant websites—consult your direct payment or Personal Health Budget advisor, or local support organization for guidance.

Support Organizations:


Local support organizations may post job listings on their websites. Reach out to them for more details.

Jobcentre Plus:


Your local Jobcentre Plus can advertise your job for free and often assist you in drafting the advertisement.


Review candidates who meet the requirements of your Job Description and Person Specification, then select those to interview.

**This is called shortlisting**

You should be able to explain why you selected these individuals and demonstrate that you did not discriminate against anyone based on factors such as age, race, religion etc

Think about:

- Where are you going to meet for the interview? - Not at your home address ideally

- Would you like support?

- Think about who you would like to assist you - A friend or family member perhaps and what would you like them to do/say?

- What will you ask? - Perhaps explain a typical situation you face and what they would do about that

- Allow enough time for the interview and between the interviews - Make notes in your free time between the interviews, so you can remember what you like/don’t like

- Take your time to decide - Don’t rush the decision, if you haven’t found the right person, advertise the job again

- Write to the individual to offer them the role

explain that you will need to check their references - ask for details/contact information of 2 individuals they have worked with before explain you will require and will be waiting for the results of their Enhanced DBS check

- Agree a start date 

allowing enough time for the Reference and DBS checks

- You should also send a letter to candidates who were not selected for the position.

if they ask for feedback, use your notes from the interview

Even if you believe someone is the right fit for the job, you should complete these three checks before they start working for you.

1. References

These will help you determine if the candidate was telling the truth and what others think about them

2. Enhanced DBS Checks

- This should only be done once you have offered the job

- This will tell you if the person has a criminal conviction.

- You have to pay for a DBS check

- Speak to your Virtual Wallet team / Health Care Providers for more information and help on this

3. Right to Work check

- You must verify that the person complies with the legal requirements for working in the UK.

- Document the evidence and keep this for your records

- This information/evidence is confidential so keep them in a safe place

**If all is well, issue your Employment Contract and start your working relationship together**