Recognising and supporting the role of personal assistants – DRAFT

There are around 13,000 Personal Assistants working in Northern Ireland who are employed through direct payments and help to enable disabled people and those with long term and/or age- related conditions to access greater choice and control over their lives.

Unlike other areas of the UK, in NI there does not appear to be any organisation highlighting the value of, investing in or developing these important roles. This project will explore how PAs (and their employers) might be better supported; pay and conditions that reflect the diversity, level of responsibility and skills required within their unique roles; and how to better promote the profile and contribution of this unique workforce.