As a personal assistant you’ll have a unique relationship with your employer. You’re supporting them to do the things they’re not able to do and although this can feel like a personal relationship, it’s not. Remember you’re the employee and you need to remain independent and professional.
It’s important to understand the impact that certain circumstances may have on your employer, for example, if you don’t or can’t turn up to work.
There are times when being a personal assistant could be personally difficult or emotional, particularly if it involves working with a person at the end of their life. It may feel like you’re supporting your employer’s family as well.
From time to time, there may be problems with the relationship between you and your employer. Any problems should be addressed properly and as laid out within the terms of your employment contract. You should discuss how issues can be addressed early on in your relationship with your employer.
Performance appraisal or supervision
Your employer may want to meet with you regularly to talk about how you’re doing in your job.
This two way discussion gives your employer a chance to assess whether you’re working in a way they want, give constructive feedback and it gives you both time to address any problems and find solutions. It may also include discussions around your learning and development.
Your employer should keep a record of your discussions.
Health and safety
It is your employer's responsibility to ensure you have a safe place to work, and they may carry out a risk assessment. You should speak with your employer about any risks or hazards that you’ve noticed.
It’s also your responsibility to make your employer aware of anything that may impact on your health and safety, for example, pregnancy in a job that requires heavy lifting.
Your employer should keep a record of your discussion, especially in relation to risks and hazards.
It’s good to keep an accident/incident book, so that anything out of the ordinary can be noted down.
Lone working
You may work alone with your employer, often referred to as ‘lone working’. It’s important to be aware of your safety and that of your employer.
It’s advisable for your employer (or someone supporting them) to carry out a lone working risk assessment to identify any risks, and risks and ensure that actions are put in place to minimise/mitigate these risks. You should make sure that somebody knows when and where you’re working at all times, and that you have an emergency contact.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding training may be needed to identify when your employer may be at risk or suffering any type of abuse. If you think that your employer is being abused, you have a duty to contact your local council’s safeguarding board.
Confidentiality
Your employer will hold confidential information about you and you’ll have access to personal information about your employer.
You should discuss who you can share information with, for example, their doctor, and under what circumstances.
No information should be shared with anyone against your employer’s wishes including sharing information about your employer on social media.
In extreme circumstances, for example a medical emergency, or if you feel there’s a safeguarding issue, then you may have to share personal information without your employer’s consent.
Confidential information should always be kept securely so that other people aren’t able to access it.