Working as a personal assistant

This video from Ruils explains more about the role of a PA.

This video from Ruils explores what it's like to work with someone with a learning disability.

This video from Ruils explores what it's like to work with someone with dementia.

This guide explains a bit more about how you can support someone with autism.

This guidance explains more about whether you need to register with CQC as a personal assistant.

These resources explain a little bit more about what social care is and what it's like to work in social care.

These resources explain a little bit more about what health care is and what it's like to work in health care.

Caroline is a PA for Claire, who has a learning disability and uses a personal care budget to pay for PAs. She works as a PA whilst studying at University.

Kelly and Elem are PAs who support Anne, an elderly woman with dementia, who lives at home with her husband.

Mo supports Helen, who has a learning disability and is prone to seizures, to live everyday life the way she wants.

Sarah did an apprenticeship as a personal assistant.

Sue works as a PA with Marta, who has a disability called freidrichs ataxia. They have similar interests and have also become close friends.

Tuiji and Charlotte are PAs for Sheena, who has advanced dementia. They support her to live in her own home.

You could join the Unison PA support network to find out about your rights and share experiences of being a PA.

An apprenticeship is a great way to start your career and gives you the opportunity to gain experience, do a qualification and earn a wage.

This video from RUILS explains a bit more about health and safety when you're supporting someone in their own home.

This video from RUILS explains a bit more about how you might support your employer with moving and assisting.

Your employer can apply for funding to pay for you to do training and qualifications; this is called individual employer funding.

There are lots of qualifications you could do as a PA. This booklet outlines some of the key ones at different levels.

There are lots of ways you can develop your career as a PA. These resources explain how, including the different roles you could progress into.

This SCIE briefing has information for PAs working with LGBTQI+ disabled people.

This guide explains more about early conciliation if you have a dispute at work, to avoid an Employment Tribunal claim.