QCAS Code of Conduct for Personal Assistants

You must:

• Support individuals to live the life they choose, based on their preferences, values, and goals
• Promote choice and independence in all aspects of your work
• Work in partnership with the individual, recognising them as the expert in their own life
• Deliver support that is flexible and responsive, rather than task-driven
• Respect the individual’s right to take informed risks, while acting responsibly to keep them safe

You must:

• Treat every individual with dignity, respect, and compassion
• Uphold their privacy, rights, and individuality at all times
• Promote equality and inclusion, and not discriminate on any grounds
• Respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs
• Challenge discrimination or poor practice where it is safe and appropriate to do so

You must:

• Remain alert to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm
• Take all concerns seriously and act without delay
• Follow appropriate steps to report or escalate safeguarding concerns
• Understand the limits of your role and when to involve external authorities
• Act in the best interests of the individual, particularly where they may be at risk

You must:

• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid relationships or behaviour that could compromise your professional judgement
• Not misuse your position of trust for personal, financial, or emotional gain
• Conduct yourself in a way that maintains confidence in you and in QCAS
• Recognise that your behaviour, both in and outside of work, may impact your professional standing

As a self-employed or independently working Personal Assistant, you must:

• Take responsibility for your own practice, decisions, and conduct
• Manage your work professionally across all individuals you support
• Be clear about your role, responsibilities, and limitations
• Maintain appropriate agreements and expectations with those you support
• Ensure you are working within your competence and capability at all times

You must:

• Communicate in a way that is clear, respectful, and appropriate
• Listen actively and respond to the needs and preferences of the individual
• Use suitable methods of communication, including digital communication, responsibly
• Maintain appropriate records where required
• Build professional, trusting relationships without becoming over-familiar

You must:

• Respect the role of family members, advocates, and representatives
• Work collaboratively while maintaining the individual’s wishes as the priority
• Maintain confidentiality appropriately when sharing information
• Manage expectations and boundaries between all parties

You must:

• Keep all personal and sensitive information confidential and secure
• Only share information where it is appropriate, lawful, or necessary
• Use digital systems, messaging, and records responsibly
• Respect the individual’s right to privacy in all situations

You must:

• Only undertake work you are competent and confident to perform
• Take responsibility for maintaining and improving your knowledge and skills
• Engage in ongoing learning and development relevant to your role
• Reflect on your practice and seek support or guidance where needed

You must:

• Act in a way that protects the health, safety, and wellbeing of the individual and yourself
• Recognise and respond appropriately to risks
• Balance safety with the individual’s right to independence and choice
• Follow safe working practices at all times

You must:

• Respond to concerns or complaints in a professional and constructive manner
• Take feedback seriously and use it to improve your practice
• Support individuals to raise concerns where needed
• Cooperate with any processes relating to concerns or complaints

You must:

• Handle any money, property, or financial matters with honesty and transparency
• Keep clear and accurate records where required
• Never misuse or take advantage of financial arrangements

As a QCAS-approved Personal Assistant:

• You represent a recognised standard of quality and professionalism
• You must not misrepresent your approval status or qualifications
• You are expected to uphold the reputation and integrity of QCAS at all times