Advice Hub

The advice hub has all the information you need to manage your Direct Payment and employ/engage your own Personal Assistants (PAs).

Select from the popular topics below or click here to view and search all advice hub topics. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need further clarification, our advice team is here to help, get in touch with us today.

Email: advice@independentlives.org
Telephone: 01903 219482 (option 3)

Introduction to Direct Payments

New to Direct Payments? Use this guidance pack for key information on becoming a Direct Payment employer, and an introduction to our Direct Payment support service.

Getting started

This section contains information and templates to support you getting started, such as creating and understanding your budget, payroll and banking options, employers' liability insurance and constructing a staff rota.

Recruitment

Looking to recruit a new PA? In this section you will find templates and guidance on writing a job description and advert, tips on shortlisting and interviewing, and example letters to send to candidates.

Making a job offer

This section will guide you through making a job offer to a PA, including making a written job offer, requesting references and completing DBS checks.

Starting employment

This section will guide you through your new PA's induction period, with factsheets for you to read and key paperwork to complete such as contracts, checking your PA's right to work in the UK and risk assessments.

PA pack

Employing a new PA? Find all the essential information and paperwork in one location, with guidance throughout on which sections needed to be completed by yourself or completed by your new PA.

Managing and supervising

This section provides guidance on managing your staff, including reviewing your PA's performance, what to do if your PA is sick, and how to resolve problems.

Additional information

Find guidance here on live-in PAs, self-employment, employing children and young people, care agencies and poaching staff and what to do when a DP recipient passes away.

Ending employment

Learn about ending employment, notice periods and redundancy pay.

Employment should not be ended until you have spoken to an Independent Lives adviser or your employers' liability insurance.