Welcome

"Professional carers seem to have been a neglected group for a long time and it would be good for them to have something that can promote their needs and image"

There is no other organisation such as ours, which as a not for profit organisation focuses solely on qualified care workers
in the social care sector..

The Professional Carers Association (PCA) aims to elevate the status of qualified carers, recognising the vital role they play in their working environment.

A carer is a caregiver, personal assistant or support worker who has achieved NVQ or SVQ qualifications in Health and Social Care or has a minimum of two years experience in a care work environment. By agreeing to abide by the Codes of Conduct members will maintain best practice in their workplace and ensure that the Professional Carers Association will set a standard of excellence recognised and supported by the industry.

The PCA does this by:-

• establishing an organisation which is associated with excellence and professional work ethic.
• offering a service that provides  members with information and support related to their work.
• undertaking projects designed to improve the performance and knowledge of carers in the workplace.

"I've had an indepth look at the entire website and I have to say, well done on such a comprehensive and varied collection of wonderful educational and general interest topics. It is really fantastic. So many valuable resourses for carers and especially those who feel they are just stagnant and need mental stimulation" PCA Member

To find out more about the benefits of being member and details on signing up click here

SUMMARY OF MAIN ACTIVITIES

• E-learning Opportunities
  To enable carers to maintain their Continued Professional Development requirements.
  
  
• A Listening Ear
  which enables carers, by telephone or email, to off-load their issues and concerns. The intention is not to give psychological advice but to allow carers to 'vent' without judgment or advice.
  
  
• 'The Carers Companion'
  Which is available free of charge and which updates carers with the latest related legislation; offers 'tips for carers'; anecdotal stories of how carers coped in situations; potential job opportunities; training requirements.
  
  
• Tax Advice
  Carers, particularly live-in carers, are required to complete tax returns on an annual basis. There is a free tax advice service provided on-line.
  
  
• Legal Advice
  From time to time, carers need legal advice relating to their work. The PCA offers a legal helpline specific to their industry. There may be a charge for this.
  
  
• Legal Cost Insurance Cover
  If you as a carer are suspended from work pending investigation of a misdemenaour, whether true or false, our insurance cover will meet your costs incurred whilst clearing your name so you do not just get a letter stating 'case dropped for lack of evidence' but rather you are 'not guilty' and so there is no mark on your record. You must though opt in for the cover on your application.
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• A Forum
  For carers to communicate with each other on work related issues.
  
  
• Links
  to affiliate sites of potential interest to carers.
  
  
• Insurance and personal health care plans are currently being investigated.

Subscriptions

There is a monthly subscription of £3.60 payable by standing order once you have registered on the site.