Improving retention as an individual employer

A personal assistant (PA) is someone directly employed by the person drawing on this care and support, also known as an individual employer (IE). PAs work with the individual to support their health, care and wellbeing needs and to enable them to live their life according to their wishes.

Skills for Care completes annual surveys to help us understand the PA workforce and the experiences of IEs. IEs reported an average turnover rate of 18.2%. Reducing turnover has a range of benefits IEs and PAs build relationships based on trust and an understanding of an individual’s unique needs, interests and preferences. These strong relationships lead to better communication, reduced stress and better cost-effectiveness.

Respondents to the survey reported factors such as stress and burnout, leaving for other PA roles or changing sectors completely as the main reasons for leaving their role. Others mentioned not working enough hours or difficulty balancing childcare with the role.

So how can IEs improve retention? Things to help employees feel happy and confident at work include a good work/life balance, continuity of working hours or flexibility with zero hour contracts for those who desire them, recognition for their work and achievements, and access to training to ensure they feel equipped at work.

A supportive and positive workplace will help PAs feel happier and healthier at work. Ways IEs can support a positive workplace include offering rewards, such as gift cards, paid time off or small bonuses, and offering personalised recognition of their achievements.

We’ve previously shared stories from IEs and PAs on how they work together to create a positive workplace. Read ‘Creating a positive workplace culture for personal assistants’ to find out more.

Ongoing learning and development is important for all social care workers to strengthen their confidence and skills, including PAs. Our ‘A practical guide for learning and development for personal assistants’ offers guidance for PAs to work with their IE to identify their learning needs and undertake appropriate training.

Offering training and development to employees to help them develop skills, advance their careers and become more innovative and creative can help them feel more fulfilled in their work.

IE funding is available to support the training and development of either themselves or their PA. It can be used to cover training to develop the IE’s skills as an employer or for the PA to complete trainings and qualifications. It can also cover replacement support whilst the PA is attending training.

Another option for learning and development is User Led Organisation training. These training sessions take place locally and are delivered by disabled people’s/user led organisations. A full list of training currently available is on our website.

Strong, open communication will enable you to together create a work environment where the PA feels happy and equipped to do their role and to meet the individual needs of the IE.

Find out more about support for individual employers and PAs.

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