Work through each step
Follow the checklist in order — the first step is open so you can start immediately.
Jump to steps →← Back to guides
Practical guideGuide
Employing a PA: recruitment pack, mock templates, and staying safe
User-led charities and regional direct-payment support services often publish recruitment packs, training, and PA matching tools. Two well-known examples are Independent Lives (direct payment support and PA recruitment information — see https://www.independentlives.org/ and their recruitment pages under Direct payment support services) and PA Pages (https://pa-pages.org/), which brings together employers, PAs, and training. Access Stamp is independent of both; we link them because many people find their structures useful when building their own paperwork.
Guide summary
User-led charities and regional direct-payment support services often publish recruitment packs, training, and PA matching tools. Two well-known examples are Independent Lives (direct payment support and PA recruitment information — see https://www.independentlives.org/ and their recruitment pages under Direct payment support services) and PA Pages (https://pa-pages.org/), which brings together employers, PAs, and training. Access Stamp is independent of both; we link them because many people find their structures useful when building their own paperwork.
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
- Two references, ideally one from a past care or customer-facing role, with gaps explained.
Practical next steps
Visible actions you can take now — no accordion required.
Use a template
Download wording you can adapt for letters, emails, or conversations.
See templates →Ask Access Stamp AI
Get help applying this guide to your situation with plain-English suggestions.
Start here
Three immediate actions before you work through the full guide.
- 1Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- 2Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- 3DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
Quick answer
User-led charities and regional direct-payment support services often publish recruitment packs, training, and PA matching tools. Two well-known examples are Independent Lives (direct payment support and PA recruitment information — see https://www.independentlives.org/ and their recruitment pages under Direct payment support services) and PA Pages (https://pa-pages.org/), which brings together employers, PAs, and training. Access Stamp is independent of both; we link them because many people find their structures useful when building their own paperwork.
Step-by-step
Your progress
Step 1 of 8
Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
What this means
- Prepare: Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Check: Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
Practical checklist
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Prepare: Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Check: Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
Example approach
Practical guidance for your situation.
Ask the AI: Help me with step 1 (Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours) for Employing a PA: recruitment pack, mock templates, and staying safe
You're making progress
You've completed 0 of 8 steps in this guide.
Evidence checklist
Keep or gather these before you contact an organisation or submit a form.
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
- Two references, ideally one from a past care or customer-facing role, with gaps explained.
- Emergency contacts, GP surgery, allergy list, and “do not resuscitate” status only if applicable and lawfully documented.
- Moving and handling plan, sling ID, and medication protocol signed off by appropriate professionals where needed.
- Timesheet template, mileage rules (if any), and how overtime or swaps are agreed in writing.
- Supervision dates for probation — short notes after each meeting.
Common mistakes
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
- Two references, ideally one from a past care or customer-facing role, with gaps explained.
- Emergency contacts, GP surgery, allergy list, and “do not resuscitate” status only if applicable and lawfully documented.
- Moving and handling plan, sling ID, and medication protocol signed off by appropriate professionals where needed.
- Timesheet template, mileage rules (if any), and how overtime or swaps are agreed in writing.
- Supervision dates for probation — short notes after each meeting.
If they refuse, delay, or ignore you
- Keep notes and ask for decisions in writing.
- Use the related detailed guide when you are ready for the next step.
Access Stamp AI
Need help applying "Employing a PA: recruitment pack, mock templates, and staying safe" to your situation? Ask about any step, evidence, or wording below.
Guide summary
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
- Two references, ideally one from a past care or customer-facing role, with gaps explained.
Helpful templates
Use the step checklists in this guide, or ask the AI to draft wording for your situation.
- Copy example wording from any expanded step
- Use the practical checklist before moving on
- Ask the AI to tailor a letter or email
At a glance
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
- DBS certificate or application reference + update service invite if used.
- Signed contract or written statement of particulars (hours, pay, location, job title, holiday, sick pay rules, notice).
- Right to work check record (copies dated, method noted — follow https://www.gov.uk/ ).
Official guidance
Need personalised help?
Ask the AI assistant for tailored advice based on your situation.