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PANS Members Group Minutes – 20th October

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Thank you to all those who came along – your continued engagement is greatly appreciated.

 

 

Survey Discussion

  • Members raised concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding previous PA surveys
  • Surveys are not addressing the difficult or meaningful questions needed to drive change in the workforce
  • Members agreed that PANS should develop a questionnaire tailored to the questions PAs want to be asked, with the aim being to ensure feedback collected genuinely reflects the realities of the PA role.
  • PANS hopes to have this ready for distribution by mid-November.
  • Potential questions will be sent to the Members Group to review.

 

 

Training 

  • The lack of training opportunities for PAs was highlighted. Whilst online training was described as useful to a certain point, members expressed it is not sufficient for the wide range of real-life situation faced by PAs.
  • PAs are not compensated for the time spent undertaking training, leading to loss of income. There is also no extra money in an SDS budget for PA backfill (cover) to let them attend.
  • It was highlighted that self-employed PAs are less likely to have any training relating to the role.
  • PANS to identify the most useful training to PAs with questionnaire as a starting point. We will also explore what training WEA may be able to offer in partnership with PANS.
  • Members shared that many employers and organisations do not fully understand the variety and complexity of their day-to-day responsibilities. Examples included accompanying individuals to hospital visits, managing medication changes, and liaising with social workers and medical professionals. It was noted that a PA is required to take on multiple roles without adequate training or support. 

 

 

Other

  • There is now a dedicated PA contact line for PVGs: DS.CS@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
  • Discussion regarding the ethics of non-English speaking PAs providing support, and male PAs providing personal care for female employers. To be further addressed at a future meeting.
  • It was noted that PAs are expected to declare that they live in Scotland for insurance purposes. We will investigate and inform PAs if this is a requirement.

 

If you have any comments to add, please get in touch with pans@wea.ac.uk

 

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