About
Personal Assistants Network Scotland is a community created to support PAs. It’s a space where your voice matters, your questions are welcomed, and you can connect with other PAs throughout the country.
You can join our PANS Membership completely free, for access to our newsletters, benefits, and additional support tailored to your role.
We’re also excited to launch the new PANS Members Group, which will represent and share the views of PAs within the community.
Join PANS Membership
What is the role of a Personal Assistant?
A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone who is either employed or contracted to work directly with one or more individuals, providing support with various aspects of daily life. The aim is to help the person live as independently as possible, in a way that suits their choices and lifestyle.
PAs are typically employed by individuals who receive a Self-Directed Support (SDS) budget and/or funding from the Independent Living Fund Scotland. Depending on the level of support required, one or more PAs may be recruited. You may work independently or as part of a wider care team.
Support can take place in the home, out in the community, at leisure activities, or in the workplace. The role is diverse and person-centred—qualities that often draw people to this meaningful and rewarding line of work.
Who are we and what do we do?
Let’s be honest—being a Personal Assistant can be challenging. It’s a role that’s often hard to understand unless you’re living it. That’s why PANS (Personal Assistant Network Scotland) was created.
PANS is a free membership community designed specifically for PAs. It offers support, guidance, and practical resources to help make your work—and life—a little easier. Whether you’re looking for advice on health and wellbeing, managing relationships and boundaries, staying up to date with the latest news, or connecting with other PAs, PANS is here for you.
The platform is updated regularly, and we actively welcome contributions from PAs. If you have ideas, suggestions, or something to share, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact the PANS Team:
📧 pans@wea.ac.uk
The PANS Mission
A professional membership organisation developed for PAs and shaped by PAs to provide access to employment, training, and regional networking opportunities. In doing so, we will enable you to share knowledge, skills, and experience with fellow PAs and drive changes that are required for the future.
Our MissionOur Funders and Stakeholders
PANS is funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by WEA (Workers Educational Association) to address the challenges faced by PAs in Scotland.
Our Funders & StakeholdersThe PA Programme Board
The Programme Board plays a key role in offering tangible outcomes to support improvements to the working terms and conditions of PAs in Scotland. PANS is an integral part of the programme board.
The PA Programme BoardThe PA Members Group
The PA Members Group is a place where you are valued and listened to, where you can share your ideas and where your suggestions will be used to bring about change. You also get to meet and chat with other PAs and share experiences and ask questions.
PA Members Group