These information sheets have been provided as a guide only and should not be used as substitutes for specialist advice. We try to keep them updated, however, this cannot always be guaranteed.
There are two main ways to use your Direct Payment to pay for a personal assistant:
You can use an agency.
There are a number of suitable agencies in the are, but they differ significantly. We suggest you telephone a few and see whether they offer the services you require, and what their charges are. If you feel they may be suitable then arrange a meeting before you contract with them. You might like to ask them:
Click here for a list of local agencies.
You can employ your own personal assistant.
More advice on this can be found by clicking one of the links below.
These information sheets have been provided as a guide only and should not be used as substitutes for special advice. We try to keep them updated, however, this cannot always be guaranteed.
Understand the responsibilities of employing your own staff.
Hints on where to advertise, drawing up adverts and interviewing.
Job descriptions. Get help to write a job description and learn why it is so important to have one.
Written statements of employment . Download a sample statement for use.
Decide how to pay your staff and learn about the deduction of income tax and national insurance, statutory sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions.
CRB Checks. Ho w to go about getting a disclosure for your personal assistant.
FEDS
Tips and advice on using compassdisability.org.uk