If you employ your own Personal Assistant (PA), or work as one, a funded training programme is now available through the NHSBSA training hub. The programme brings together courses delivered by user-led and disabled people’s organisations across England. It is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and administered by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Who can take part?
The programme supports individual employers, employed PAs and self-employed PAs within adult social care. An individual employer is someone who employs their own care or support staff. If you use Direct Payments to employ a PA, this may include you. Check with the training provider that you meet its eligibility requirements and qualify for a funded place.
Skills for Care explains how individual employers and PAs can benefit from the programme.
Choose training that helps with your everyday role
You might want to refresh a skill, ask questions about something you’re unfamiliar with or prepare for a change in someone’s support needs. If you employ a PA, talk together about what would be useful. Is there anything they need more practice with? Has your support changed since they last attended training?
Read the course description before booking. Check who it is for, what it covers and whether it includes practical learning or an assessment.
Online and face-to-face options
Courses are listed by region, but you don’t always need to live in that area to attend. Some providers offer online sessions, others run face-to-face courses, and some offer both.
This gives you more options if travelling is difficult or you need to fit training around work and support arrangements. Some organisations may prioritise local people, so check before booking.
What to check before booking
Ask the provider about eligibility, available places and any accessibility requirements or adjustments you need. If your PA will attend during their usual working hours, agree how their training time and your support will be arranged. A funded course place does not necessarily cover paid training time, travel or replacement support, so check these costs separately.
You can find providers and booking details on the NHSBSA training hub for individual employers and Personal Assistants.
If you have questions about employing a PA or managing your Direct Payments, get in touch with Empower.
