The key to successful independent living is to :

• Develop an effective care plan
• Recruit, select and manage personal assistants (PAs)

Some points to consider when recruiting your employees :

• What tasks do you want them to perform?
• What hours do you want them to work?
• How many personal assistants do you need to employ?
• What happens to your care plan if you only have one personal assistant who is on sick leave or holiday?
• What rate of pay will you offer?

Once you have decided the conditions of service, you can begin to advertise, shortlist and interview prospective personal assistants. The Rowan Organisation can help and advise you in the recruitment and selection of staff. We also provide a confidential Recruitment Line which can act on your behalf in sending out job application packs and receiving completed application, before sending them on to you.

We can also offer access to training in interviewing techniques, ensuring that you recruit the most suitable people to meet your needs. We advise that a Criminal Records Check should be carried out on prospective employees (refer to Factsheet 15: Safeguarding Practices).

The support offered is on-going and a local Independent Living Adviser is available to help should any problems occur. For further information please contact your local Rowan Independent Living Adviser or the Information Service.

Version 4.0

Version Date: November 2009

The Rowan Organisation - Supporting Independence Through Choice