The contribution of Personal Assistants (PAs) to helping people live independently was celebrated at a Self-Directed Support (SDS) Roadshow in Moray this week, as the UK prepares to mark National PA Day.
More than 60 people, including PAs, PA employers, family members and health and social care practitioners, came together at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre at UHI Moray in Elgin on Tuesday (10 November).
The event, organised by Moray Health & Social Care Partnership (MHSCP) in partnership with Self Directed Support Scotland, Social Work Scotland and In Control Scotland, provided an opportunity to share experiences, explore available support and discuss what more can be done to maximise the strong mutual relationships between PAs and the people who employ them.
There were presentations on the national picture for SDS and the development of support for PAs and PA employers, including Standard 13, which sets out the responsibilities of local authorities in fairly and equitably supporting people to employ PAs and make the most of their Direct Payments.
A series of interactive workshops covered practical issues including employer liability insurance with Mark Bates Insurance, support through Personal Assistant Network Scotland (PANS), national PA resources from Self Directed Support Scotland and support available locally through the Moray Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) Project involving Cornerstone and Circles Network.
People with lived experience of managing a Direct Payment led a workshop, while PA employer Dot Bremner also took attendees through two seated exercise warm-ups which was one of the highlights of the day. A marketplace gave people the chance to meet organisations and services offering advice and support.
Zoe McIntyre, Communications and Policy Manager at Self Directed Support Scotland, who chaired the event, said: “Independent living doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. It’s about having the choice, control and ability to live life the way you want, with support if you need it.
“Personal Assistants play such an important role in enabling disabled people to live independently. It’s important that we hear from PA employers and PAs because their experiences are central to understanding what works and what needs to improve.
“We want there to be a legacy beyond this event, with PA employers and PAs continuing to work with MHSCP and partners to help drive change.”
Stephen Morgan, Chief Social Work Officer for MHSCP, said: “Self-Directed Support is one of the most transformative developments in Scottish social care. We know there is more we need to do to get this right.
“I know from my own experience that being a PA employer can be challenging, from arranging insurance and payroll to recruiting and supporting staff. We need to listen to people’s experiences, learn from each other and be prepared to do things differently.
“PAs play a vital role in supporting independent living, alongside unpaid carers and families. Their contribution is hugely important, and we want to build on the conversations from this roadshow to strengthen support and make things better for everyone involved.”
There are currently 282 people in Moray using a Direct Payment, with around 420 PAs providing care, support and companionship. A further 75 people are currently looking to recruit PAs.
Building on the conversations from the roadshow, Moray HSCP is planning to establish a new lived experience group for PAs and PA employers in Moray. The group will provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences, help identify what works well and what could be improved, and have a say in shaping future support.
PAs and PA employers who would be interested in joining the group and helping shape this work are invited to contact the SDS team on 01343 563420 or email SelfDirectedSupport@moray.gov.uk.
Don Morrison from the Scottish Government’s Social Care Workforce Division also spoke at the event about work being taken forward nationally by the PA Programme Board, established in 2021 to recognise PAs as an important part of the adult social care workforce.
Don said: “Our 2025 survey showed that 94% of PAs are proud of their role. It’s rewarding work and brings a great deal of fulfilment, but PAs also want to feel better valued and have their contribution recognised.”
He encouraged more people with lived experience to get involved with the Board.
Donna Murray, Project Officer at Social Work Scotland, has been a PA to 19-year-old Dylan since he was nine, saying it was a privilege to be part of his life and support him to be the young man he is.
She explained that Standard 13 aimed to support her ability to be a PA and Dylan’s family to be her employer.
“Policy is great, but implementing it is harder. We need to learn together and look at what good Self-Directed Support looks like for the person, their family and health and social care,” Donna said.
“It’s important that people have accessible information, an assessment based on how they want to live their lives, sufficient budgets and opportunities for both PAs and employers to access training and support.”
National PA Day takes place today (Friday 13 November). This year’s theme is Strengthen Our Impact, recognising the positive impact that PAs and PA employers can achieve when they work together.
Interested in becoming a Personal Assistant in Moray? Opportunities can be found on the My Job Scotland website, where you can search for jobs in your area using your postcode.
Moray Health & Social Care Partnership Communications
