we help people who do a great job do it better 24 November 2011 Kathryn Chamberlain Area Officer, Eastern

A framework for supporting personal assistants working in adult social care Co-produced by DH with national partner organisations, people who use services and their PAs. Launched 27 July 2011 in Essex by Paul Burstow MP Based on recent research

PA Framework Delivery plan will be developed in coming months Skills for Care to co-ordinate implementation of framework in partnership with direct employers and other partners

PA Framework Three broad aims To support future growth of the PA workforce and their employers To address challenges to the development of PA working; and To share best practice examples

Main areas of framework Better understanding of PA working Support for employers during recruitment Learning and development Supporting PAs and employers Enabling Risk Management

Some facts and figures DH Data: March 2009 – 92,878 personal budget holders March 2010 – 167,902 September 2010 – 244,144 SfC research reporting growing demand

Demand for PAs Research by the thinktank Demos and Individual Budgets Evaluation Network suggest that between 44% and 59% spent part or all of their budgets on PAs. SfC predict that growth in demand will rise from 200,000 now to 1.2 m by 2025

Good practice – Personalisation and Partnership - Skills for Care Importance of relationship from start Address any problems quickly Importance of management skills Peer support Enabling employers to think about what they want from their PA Factors that contribute to an effective working relationship between direct employers and PAs:

Good practice – North West PA Register – Age UK and Cheshire Centre for Independent Living NW PA Register Easy-access, secure online recruitment tool Enables individual employers and PAs to search in one place Facilitated by Age UK Cheshire and CCIL Provides greater choice, more personalised recruitment, flexible and responsive market

Good practice CCIL PA training service Enables individual employers to access tailor-made training for PAs CCIL with SfC developed PA Apprenticeships Pilot for 11 PAs to access the H&SC apprenticeship framework

Good practice – Essex Coalition for Disabled People ECDP Independent IAG, including advocacy Peer support Supportive payroll service Support with practicalities, e.g. CRBs Training for employers and for PAs

Good practice – Support that works well (ADASS Survey) Good info about employer and PA rights and responsibilities Support with performance management Support provided by peers Support opportunities to maximise resources Technical support, including payroll Offer to provide staff checks

Skills for Care resources PA Toolkit Effective Supervision Common Induction Standards for PAs Flexible QCF units, QCF Scenario Funding for units of QCF I Care website PA case study Personalisation and Partnership – a successful working relationship

Thank you Information and joining the advisory group at

Discussion points: What have you tried that has worked? What do you see as the main challenges? What would you most like support with?

we provide support for those who provide support