Contingency planning
A contingency plan states what will happen if you are unable to support your client for any reason. This includes all planned and unplanned situations including holidays, sickness, emergencies, transport problems, bad weather, and any other leave. It is important to have a contingency plan in place before you start supporting your client.
When you are employed by your client
It will be your client’s responsibility to ensure there is a contingency plan in place for when you may be sick or on holiday. Your client may arrange for another PA, an agency, or a family/friend to cover your hours, this will be their choice. Clients of Adult Social Care who receive direct payments will receive support to set up a Contingency Plan.
When you are delivering your services on a self-employed basis
It will be your responsibility to ensure there is a contingency plan in place for when you may be sick or on holiday. As a self employed PA you have the unfettered (or unrestricted) right to provide a substitute of your choosing to complete the job in your place. It is good practice to introduce any substitute to your client to ensure they are aware of who may be turning up in your place.
What happens if nobody can cover?
If contingency plans fail and the client will be left without essential support, such as personal care / medication administration, you should phone Health and Social Care Connect on 0345 60 80 191. However, this should be considered as a last resort.