As an employer, you are responsible for six main things:

1. Once you have shortlisted a candidate, you should check applicant references by contacting the referees whose names the candidate has supplied to you.

2. Check the status on the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) number that the applicant has shared with you, once they have given you permission to do so. You can carry out the check online and get the results right away by visiting: https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/check?execution=e1s1. You do not need to pay or register to carry out a status check.

3. Your applicant should have the right to work in the UK and their UKCIL profile will tell you if this is the case.

4. You must pay PA wages on time and accurately, deducting the right tax and national insurance. Keep a record of the hours worked for Inland Revenue purposes and in case your funding authority asks.

5. As an employer, you should make sure you are insured. It is not only important to take out employers liability and public liability insurance, but you should also run a check to ensure that there are no potential health and safety risks to your new PA because of the care they will be providing you. Consider removing any potential dangers in your home that could put them at risk.

6. Finally, it is important to ensure that your PA has the annual leave they are entitled to under ‘Working Time Regulations’. They need to be paid any maternity / paternity and sick pay too. So check in advance, discuss, and agree on matters with the PA, and ensure you comply.