Working as a PA
What is a PA?
A Personal Assistant is either employed or contracted to work directly with one or more individuals, to support them with various aspects of their daily life so that they can live as independently as possible, in a way that they choose.
A Personal Assistant is directly employed or contracted by someone in receipt of a Self-Directed Support (SDS) budget, and/or Independent Living Fund Scotland .
One or more PAs may be recruited to meet their support needs. You may work alone or as part of a care plan team.
As a Personal Assistant you may be asked to provide support in the home, at leisure or at work.
What are the benefits?
The diversity of the role and having the opportunity to focus on the needs of an individual, is what often attracts people to the valuable role of being a PA.
Got any questions?
Think this service might be right for you, but you’re not sure? Get in touch.
Mandy’s story: Finding purpose through a new kind of role
“Being a Personal Assistant is about using your time, energy, skills and experience to help someone to have a good life. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
FAQs
We understand that someone who has experience working for organisations, you might have concerns or questions about moving to PA employment.
We hope we have answered some of those here, but if you have any more questions please do contact us, we'd be happy to answer them.
Yes, PA employers have the same legal responsibilities to you as their employee as any other employer. Find out more about your rights as a PA.
Getting a PVG
From April 2025, unless you are a direct family member, all PAs are legally required to join the PVG scheme. It is your responsibility as a PA to do this, but you can ask your employer or GCIL for help.
