PANS Member Benefits
Joining The PA Network Scotland means gaining access to training opportunities, resources, and information. It also brings with it a range of benefits, which all PAs can enjoy when they join PANS.
Free ID Badge
Enjoy the feeling of pride you get from being recognised as an important member of Scottish healthcare. With an ID badge and official membership number, you can find confidence in your role and benefit from the respect of people in your community.
Please note that all member applications now have to be verified by your employer ie. the individual that you identify on the joining application. We need to ensure that all applicants accessing member benefits are PAs. We will send an email to the employer to allow them to verify your application.
Blue Sky Social Care Card
A Blue Sky Card recognises you as a vital worker and a valued member of the Scottish healthcare system. On top of this, it also grants access to discounts in your favourite shops, both online and in-person across the UK.
Insurance
Insurance from leading providers protects you against accidents on the job. You can also speak with trained counsellors to discuss issues that arise at work and protect yourself against errors made in nursing care, first aid, or drug administration.
There’s also personal accident cover to provide a financial safety net if you suffer an injury on the job.
We’re aware that many insurance companies offer PA and PA employer insurance products. However, two of the market leaders, Mark Bates Ltd and Fish Insurance offer much more in addition to liability insurance.
In addition to protection and guidance, you can access invaluable training to help you grow, with qualifications on-site and online in:
- First Aid at Work
- Moving & Assisting of People
- REHIS Food Hygiene
- Mental Health First Aid
- Fire Warden
And more, with benefits available for PA Network members.
UNITE Union
Being represented by a union is incredibly important as a personal assistant. Not only do you have access to information regarding employment protection and how to develop personally, but there are lots of additional perks, including:
- Dental cashback
- Holiday deals
- RAC breakdown cover
- Financial advice
- Legal advice
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- Privacy, dignity, and communication in care
- Personal development opportunities
- Employment protection.
And much more!
PANS mediation service
Being a personal assistant is just that. Personal. That’s why having healthy relationships is so important and why you need a certain set of skills to develop and maintain them.
Our professional mediation service is available to PANS members and supports you with any issues you might be worried about or have come across at work.
Mediation resources:
- Instead of going to court – mygov.scot
- What mediation is and how it can help : Mediation at work – Acas
- Mediation in the Third Sector (scottishmediation.org.uk)
- Advocacy – Who Cares? Scotland (whocaresscotland.org) Young people
- Home – Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (siaa.org.uk)
- Find a mediator (scottishmediation.org.uk)
- Relationships Scotland – Counselling, mediation and family support (relationships-scotland.org.uk)
- https://www.calmscotland.co.uk/
- Being Heard – a self-advocacy guide for carers | Carers Scotland (carersuk.org)
- Get Advocacy Support as an Unpaid Carer | Carers Trust
Exclusive Training Opportunities
Training is crucial as a PA and as a member of PANS, you can access training courses that are built for you. Identifying areas of improvement helps you become the best version of yourself, and with the training courses both online and in your area, you can turn weaknesses into strengths.
Exclusive Regional Networking Events
With a PANS membership, you can access expertise from PAs across Scotland. We also have a range of online and in-person meetups in your area, with workshops to help you voice your concerns and have your voice heard by fellow PAs.
Digital Workshops
Digital tools can help you with communication, problem-solving, and handling information in your role as a PA. There are also TEC-enabled devices to make your life easier, and we help you gain the confidence to promote independence, enable social participation, and ensure healthcare access to your clients.
Regional Job Opportunities
Struggling to find roles in your region? We will have job opportunities across Scotland for PAs which could help you find something suitable and accessible.
Free WEA membership for one year
Why not join the WEA’s adult education movement and get some great benefits too. Sign up now PANS WEA membership offer | WEA to receive 1 year’s free WEA membership*:-
WEA members receive:
- Access to our award-winning weekly members’ lecture series. Learn from our network of expert tutors and interact with other members from your own home
- Receive regular communications with news and information including our monthly member newsletter
- Receive our Highway magazine and access digital back issues to stay updated on the work we are doing
- Attend our annual conference
- Be part of a movement that helps others and transforms lives.
Apply here (you will need your PANS membership number handy) PANS WEA membership offer | WEA
*If you’d like to continue WEA membership after your first year, the annual membership fee is only £15 – great value for money!