0333 03 41 101 | info@blueskybrokers.org
0333 03 41 101 | info@blueskybrokers.org
Once you have been awarded your Direct Payment, we provide practical support to manage your Budget such as recruiting Personal Assistants, resolving employment issues, completing local authority monitoring forms, support to set up Payroll and adequate insurance and more.
When using your Direct Payment to employ Personal Assistants, it is essential to uphold your responsibilities as an employer. To act in line with employment law, the contracts of employment, job description and disciplinary and grievance procedures should be issued on the first day of an employee commencing work. Other things to think about when employing Personal Assistants is understanding the terms and conditions of the employment contract, which can help avoid issues which arise from not being aware of or misunderstanding the terms and conditions of the contract.
It is also necessary for Direct Payment recipients to meet the requirements set by the Local Authorities; often records of expenditure and proof of bank statements for Direct Payment accounts are requested by Local Authorities. For individuals who are not able to complete these forms independently we can provide support in this area. If you have a managed service, this will be completed on your behalf.
A Direct Payment is social care funding from the Local Authority, which can be spent to meet an individual’s needs in the way they choose. Direct Payments allow individuals to receive money from the Local Authority to pay for the care and support that they have identified as right for them.
Specialist guidance and support for those managing Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets, including:
Support is tailored for both new and existing employers of personal assistants.
Blue Sky Brokers supports individuals and families with the full recruitment process:
The PA Hub helps service users find suitable carers and enables PAs, micro providers, and self-employed workers to promote their services.
We help service users understand their responsibilities as employers, providing, guidance and support with arranging employer liability insurance.
Working with Solicitors Nationally!
We work with local authorities across the country to provide support to Direct Payment service users. Contact us to enquire about how we can help you manage your Direct Payment.
Blue Sky Brokers is in contract with Derbyshire County Council to provide Direct Payment Support to Derbyshire Service Users.
We also manage the Derbyshire PA Register for PA recruitment within Derbyshire.
Blue Sky Brokers is in contract with Salford City Council/Northern Care Alliance to provide Direct Payment Support to Salford City Service Users.
Blue Sky Brokers is in contract with Lambeth London Borough Council to provide Direct Payment Support to Lambeth Borough Service Users.
Blue Sky Brokers is in contract with Bedford Borough Council to provide Direct Payment Support to Bedford Service Users.
Don’t see your area? Contact us to enquire about how we can help you manage your Direct Payment.
Find out more about our Direct Payment Processes with our quick video
Direct Payment processes may vary from person to person, but our service remains fully person-centred — ensuring choice, control, and accessibility for every individual.
If you have any questions about the Direct Payment process, feel free to reach out to us
As an employer, you can access a wide range of support to help manage your responsibilities with confidence. We offer guidance on best practices, payroll options, employee matters like disciplinary procedures, and employer’s liability insurance. You’ll receive essential documents such as contracts, Right to Work checklists, and we can arrange DBS checks for your PAs. Our goal is to make employing someone as simple and stress-free as possible with clear information and ongoing support.
Your Personal Assistants (PAs) are paid every four weeks by your chosen payroll provider. The payment process depends on the type of payroll arrangement selected. The available payroll options are:
To get a direct payment you will need to contact and have an assessment with your local authority (Social care team). They will assess if there is a care need as well as a financial assessment. Once this has been completed the social care/direct payment team will make you aware if you have been awarded a direct payment. If you have been awarded a direct payment they will give you all the information on the budget that you have been granted as well as a break down of what the budget can be used for.