A Direct Payment Holder can be anyone aged 18+ who is eligible to receive care from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) following care and financial assessments. This could be someone that has a learning disability, physical disability, autism, Asperger’s, mental health, be an older person or various other care and support needs.  

You can refer or self-refer online or by calling 0300 123 4042 for a social care or carers assessment 

For any vacancy request, the Purple Match team check with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure the person requesting is a Direct Payment Holder. 

Our Employment Advice & Guidance Officers can be contacted on 01992 367297 and will assist to set up payroll with an approved provider.

You can view further information on this by clicking here

A discussion around pay rate is for you to have directly with the PA you wish to employ. Please consider that national living wage which can be found by checking https://checkyourpay.campaign.gov.uk/  and many PA’s may expect more than this, especially if self-employed with other expenses. We have seen previous vacancies range anywhere from £11 to £15 per hour, dependent on the hours, support required, and other factors.

The Purple Match service is funded by Adult Social Services and is therefore available only to adults who hold a Direct Payment for themselves.

For enrollment to Purple Match, PA’s must have an enhanced DBS with adult barring list.

You are welcome to advertise that your PA may need to support with childcare. To reduce risk to you and your child, we will process a new DBS with adult and children’s barring list only if you decide to hire someone through Purple Match.

A PA can support you in many ways to assist you to be as independent as you possibly can in your own home and out in the community. During your assessment for your direct payments, you will have discussed your wellbeing outcomes and how a PA can help you.

Whether your goal is to become more active, attend more appointments and activities, eat healthy meals at regular times, or keeping on top of your household tasks, or general personal care support, the PA’s role is vital in helping you to reach those goals.

It really is down to you and what you need!