PANS Questionnaire 2025 Results

Training: 

• 15% of respondent have no formal qualifications relating to the PA role.
• 10% of respondents have basic qualifications including first aid, administering medicines, etc.

When asked what prevents them from attending training events, peer groups or networking events, PAs provided us with the following information:

• 17% of PAs noted insufficient funds in their package to pay for training, cover or backfill.
• 20% of PAs can’t attend training due to lack of pay for attending
• 17% of PAs can’t attend training due to travel issues, locality of training and travel costs
• 25% of PAs stated they are happy with how their training is being shaped.

“When we ask for more money, we are denied for training etc it’s sad to see this going this way as we will lose really good staff and none will be trained to work in the care sector.”

“In my self employed pa job I work alongside other self employed pas. Some which is their full time work. Taking time off for training is a double whammy. No wage and paying for the training.”

“I’ve had no offer of training in the 4.5 years I’ve worked with this person.”

“First Aid is particularly hard to book in our area as it is an all day training and spaces are limited and costly and there are not many dates available, plus it is hard to find cover for clients in our absence.”

• 33% prefer in-person/groups for training
• 42% prefer online training
• 19% prefer reading materials
• 6% stated they do not need training

 

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Support:

• 31% of PAs resolve issues with their employer directly
• 25% of PAs speak to family or other PAs
• 12% of PAs contact PANS for advice
• 12% of PAs contact their local authority or SDS organisation

When asked what support would make their role more effective, we recieved the following responses:

“Easier access to online training and a connection between all training so if we do one, it shows on a record. This would ensure we don’t repeat training but can update when needed. Be good to have a PA training data base”

“Free PPE”

“There’s not an obvious or immediate solution to the challenges I face, so I just grin and bear them!”

“An online training portal like the NHS Turas including Certified First Aid, H&S, Social Care, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity training modules”

88% of respondents would recommend the PA role to family or friends.

PAs mentioned some organisations they found useful and supportive:

• “I’ve had great advice and support from PANS who I have contacted on several occasions when my employer has had expectations that I know are not acceptable.”
• “SDS Forth Valley have been excellent in offering advice and support”
• “Local charity Urram have been a great source of support and information for me.”
• “PANS Network where you have access to resources, information and feedback from other PA is very useful”
• “Partnership in Practice (PIP)
• “If there is any issues regarding anything to do with the financial side of it or any paper work , then I speak to take control whom are based in Hamilton”

 

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Direct Payment cuts: 

• 80% of respondents did not report any cuts to their direct payments
• Some PAs noted how costs are spiralling and/or being cut, e.g travel expenses, which is significantly impacting them especially for those who work for employers living in rural areas.
• Employers and family are under huge strain with direct payment cuts.
• Conflicting information from organisations about what employers are entitled to.

“Just last week we had a meeting with social work and one of my clients. She needed an increase in care. The family and I were told, there is no further direct payments at the moment. SW who came out to this particular client could clearer see the need but nothing they can do. I can see that it could eventually effect how we work, as if a client cannot afford us then we can’t go in. Very sad”

“Yes family I work with have not had there respite budget increased in line with cost of living rises & hourly rate of care staff, so instead of receiving 16 days respite as it was say 10 years ago, it is now working out @ about 11 days respite support, so yes much to say with council cut backs & budgets not getting increased inline with cost of living.”

“Client requires extra support after a fall 3 months ago. Now home after 10 weeks in hospital and no care package in place. He is now hardly mobile and incontinent. Family under huge strain.”

“There are many cuts within the service, mainly the time given to support people is becoming increasingly challenging. With record visits to help people with Dementia PAs have seen a usual one hour visit cut by half, equally it’s like a pay cut. But the quality of dedication is never faulted but is compromised.”