Training and qualifications for Personal Assistants

We are working hard to support Personal Assistants and others who visit and help vulnerable people in their own homes.

There are growing opportunities for developing skills in more specialised care, and gaining qualifications at no cost. This can also lead to higher education for vocations such as nursing, social work and many other roles within health and social care.

Free online induction course

East Sussex County Council have sponsored a free e-learning course; ‘Induction to Being a PA'. This on-line course gives you an opportunity to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of being a PA, listen to case studies, and test your knowledge. Just go to:

• www.kwango.com/eastsussexpailogin
• Log in with this username: esussexpai
• Use this password: esussexcpai

Free training to help you qualify for the Support with Confidence Scheme

We're offering free training to meet the standards that membership of Support With Confidence will require.

This can range from one-off certificates, to a full six-day induction course for someone who has no health and social care qualifications and wants to become a Personal Assistant.

• Support with Confidence Training Guidance (Adobe PDF, 45KB)
  A list of the training and standards that businesses or Personal Assistants must complete before being accepted into the scheme. 4 pages
• Specimen training schedule for new PAs (Word, 48KB)
  This table shows you what topics are covered over the six-day course.

Please call or email us (below) to find out about when the next courses are taking place.

Free three day induction course for PAs

The course meets national training standards and provides the basis for gaining a recognised qualification.

Dates: Thursdays 11, 18 and 25 October
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Location: Newhaven Enterprise Centre, Denton Island, Newhaven

You must commit to attending all three days of the course.

To book your place or for further information contact:

Renee Jasper-Griffiths
Tel: 01323 464109
Email: renee.jasper-griffiths@eastsussex.gov.uk

Personalisation and the skills needed by PAs

Helping you to think about the training you need – key messages, core principles and case studies.

• Personalisation – the implications for Personal Assistants

Working for people with a learning disability

• Learning disability – PMLD awareness guide for PAs

Useful websites

• PA Network.org
• Independent Living Alternatives
• Skills for care – personal assistant resources (see under the South East section – guides for personal assistants working with people with a learning disability, challenging behaviour, an autistic spectrum condition or mental health issues.)

Enquiries and applications

• Application form to join Support With Confidence scheme

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us:

• Contact the Support With Confidence team