FAQs / PAs
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What is a Personal Assistant (PA)?
A Personal Assistant is an employed person who gives support with everyday tasks as directed by the Employer, these could include:
- assistance with personal care
- support with tasks at home
- accompanying someone to access the community/social opportunities
- enable the development of independent living skills
The PA should provide the right assistance at the right time, ensuring that the Employer has choice and remains in control of their life.
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How do I become a LinkMeUp PA?
To become a PA you need to register with LinkMeUp and create your PA profile. Remember to include all your experience, skills and attributes that demonstrate why you would be a good PA. Once you have completed your profile, you will be contacted by LinkMeUp to arrange an interview.
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Will my personal details be available to everyone?
No personal information will be included on the register; instead all profiles will be allocated a unique reference number. The eye symbol, on the PA profile form, appears next to information that is kept private.
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Do I have to pay to become a member of the PA Register?
As an introductory offer, all PAs are entitled to their first year’s membership for free.
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Do l need any qualifications or checks to become a PA?
You do not need any specific qualifications to become a PA, however if you have undertaken any relevant training or qualifications it is useful to include this in your profile.
In order to activate your profile you will need to attend a brief interview with LinkMeUp, bringing certificates for relevant qualifications/training and identification for a DBS Check and Right to Work Check.
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What happens when someone is interested in my PA Profile?
The person will contact LinkMeUp to arrange an interview; this may be with one or more of the PAs on the register. Once they have made a decision, they can be supported by LinkMeUp to ensure that they are following relevant employment law.
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Who is the employer?
The employer is the person that recruits you to support them. All recruitment responsibility lies with the employer and not with LinkMeUp or the Local Authority.
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What do I get paid?
Your employer will agree with you the rate of pay, however the employer will be made aware of minimum wage requirements by LinkMeUp.
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Who pays me?
Your employer will be responsible for paying you, however they can choose to have the support of a payroll service.
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How much holiday pay am I eligible to?
The amount of holiday pay you are entitled to depends on the number of hours you work, use the holiday calculator to work out what you should expect.
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Will I be supported to access relevant training?
LinkMeUp can provide information and advice to identify relevant training (for example moving and handling, administering medication and impairment specific training). Where there is a cost involved this would have to be agreed between the employer and the PA.