Welcome to imPAct - the newsletter for
Personal Assistants across Scotland

PA survey findings

Thank you to everyone who completed this year's Scottish PA Workforce Survey!

There was a great response, with nearly 800 PAs taking part. The information is being looked at in detail, but we can share some of the highlights so far:

• Most PAs work for between 1 and 3 people
• The average pay of PAs who answered the survey was £12.22 an hour, and self-employed PAs charged an average of £16.45 an hour
• Most PAs work between 31-40 hours a week, but 7% work more than 50 hours
• More than half of PAs who answered the survey also provided unpaid care and support on top of their paid work
• Around half of PAs said they have received enough training to do their job well, but one in five felt they hadn't had enough training

The survey also showed that most PAs love their job, and feel proud to be a PA.

We look forward to sharing more information on the survey findings in the coming months - keep an eye out for updates in this newsletter.

My PA Day

Lorraine is a Personal Assistant in East Dunbartonshire. She spoke to imPAct to share her experience of being a PA, and what she enjoys about her work.

"Nine years ago I became a PA by mistake! I’ve got no idea how it started, but I can honestly say it’s my best job ever.

I’ve worked in care and support for over 30 years, and I feel my job is not just about supporting the person, it’s about supporting their family too.

I support six different families, with a variety of conditions and needs. It sounds like a lot but I’ve built it up steadily over the years and all my clients are only a five or ten minute drive from each other which means I can get between them easily....

READ ON > 

Want to share your PA Day? Get in touch!

Find out about work going on to support PAs in Scotland

The PA Programme Board is a group of people including Scottish Government who are working to improve things for PAs and Employers. 

Once a year the PA Programme Board holds an online Open Meeting where anyone who hasn't been involved so far is welcome to attend.

This is your chance to find out more about the work of the PA Programme Board, what they have achieved, and their plans for the future.

This year's Open Meeting is taking place on:

• Thursday 29 June
• 10 am - 12 noon
• Online via Teams

All PAs are very welcome to attend.

To let us know you'd like to come, please contact info@sdsscotland.org.uk 

FIND OUT MORE > 

Bringing PAs together in North Ayrshire 

A wellebing afternoon was held recently in Ayrshire to say thank you to Personal Assistants in the area. 

The event was put on by the Ayrshire Independent Living Network thanks to funding from North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.

PAs enjoyed a yoga session and took away tips on looking after their own health and wellbeing at home and work. They were treated to an afternoon tea and a goodie bag of treats, including a wee biscuit and fancy tea bags to enjoy a well earned break!

Personal Assistants who attended the event gave fantastic feedback, and were especially thankful for the opportunity to interact with other PAs, learn ways to de-stress and look after their own mental health.

Are there any events for PAs happening in your area? Let us know!

New information in the
PA Handbook

The online PA Handbook is regularly updated with a wealth of information for PAs and Employers.

Check out the latest articles on where to find PA vacancies, free support available to PAs, or advice on how to handle any issues if you or your employer smokes.

CHECK OUT THE PA HANDBOOK > 

Developing training for PAs

A new project has just started that aims to develop a range of training for PAs and Employers.

Emmanuelle Le Coz and Johanne McBean are based at Self Directed Support Scotland and are leading on the project. They will be working over the next year to find out what training is already available to PAs and Employers, and what they want to be able to access in future.

The ultimate aim is to create a resource that enables PAs and Employers to access training as they choose.

FIND OUT MORE > 

PA Network Scotland

The PA Network Scotland is working to become the membership organisation for Personal Assistants across Scotland.

They are currently working on a revamped website which will be a gateway to a range of member benefits, including:

• development training
• discounted products
• ID badge
• improved access to job opportunities
• the opportunity to join a union.

As part of the improved service to PAs, and to ensure that the PA voice continues to be heard, PANS are planning to create a PA Network Advisory Board, and recruit Regional Reps to work with them in designated areas across Scotland.

They will be looking for people with hands-on experience of being a PA. If you would like to know more about becoming part of the PA Advisory Board and/or a Regional PA Network Representative please email info@panetworkscotland.org.uk