An individual employer (IE) is someone who hires a personal assistant (PA) to provide their care and support. They may pay for this using a direct payment from their local authority, a personal health budget from the NHS, their own money, or a combination of these.
Our resources help IEs recruit, manage, develop and support their PAs.
In this section you’ll find our Employing PAs toolkit which helps IEs to think about their responsibilities as an employer with links to further information and templates that can be downloaded and tailored to fit your needs.
Another key resource is the Individual employer and personal assistants training guide to guide you through upskilling yourself and your PA.
Upcoming events
National network for IEs and support organisations
Wednesday 10 February | 14:00-16:00 | Online | Register today
Join our online network for IEs and those who support them. Meet three times a year to hear from guest speakers, share good practice and network with others.
Latest news
Funded training offers available 2026-27
The user led organisation (ULO) training hub brings together training offers to help you and your employer to develop and learn new skills.
Our ULO training fund guide for IEs and PAs explains how you can benefit and access funded training through your local ULO/DPO.
View the guide
Visit the ULO training hub to explore what’s available.
Keep up to date
Sign up to our newsletter to hear about the latest news and opportunties for IEs and PAs.
Employing PAs Toolkit
Our Employing personal assistants toolkit will help you to think about your responsibilities as an employer, and includes guidance, templates and resources about recruiting, training and managing your team.
User led organisation funding
The individual employer fund has closed. Alternative training for IEs and PAs is available through user led organisations.
Factsheets for individual employers
These factsheets are designed to guide IEs through the key responsibilities of employing or contracting a PA.
Learn from other PAs and employers
Hear directly from experienced PAs and IEs as they share what’s helped them succeed, what they’ve learned the hard way, and how they stay effective in demanding roles.
Webinar and event recordings
We’ve developed a series of webinars covering a range of topics to support IEs and PAs and supporting organisations with best practice.
Wednesday 10 February | 14:00-16:00 | Online (Zoom)
Join our online network for IEs and those who support them. You'll hear from guest speakers, share good practice and network with others.
Once you've submitted your form you'll receive calendar invites and joining links for all future meetings.
For more information about the network please email Zoe.Thomas@skillsforcare.org.uk or Ali.Davenport@skillsforcare.org.uk