Today we have published a new resource to help people and organisations better understand Personal Assistant (PA) employment status and support good practice when arranging care and support.
Personal Assistant Employment Status: A Guide to Support Good Practice explores how employment status principles apply in PA arrangements. It has been developed collaboratively by Think Local Act Personal, the Independent Living Group, the National Direct Payments Forum and Community Catalysts, with valuable input from a wide range of further contributors.
The guide responds to people’s uncertainty about how employment status should be understood in practice. 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.
Join our webinar to learn more
To accompany the publication of the guide, we will be hosting a webinar on 21st May from 12:30-1:30pm to introduce the resource and explore how it is intended to be used.
The session will look at:
- why the guide was developed
- how employment status works in the context of PA arrangements
- how the guide can support good practice
- what the guide is – and is not – intended to do
Speakers will include:
- Martin Walker, Think Local Act Personal
- David Ashley, Independent Living Group
- Pat Stack, National Direct Payments Forum
- Helen Allen, Community Catalysts
There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions to the panel.
