We’re pleased to contribute to new guidance published by Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) that supports clearer understanding of employment status in PA arrangements. It recognises that PAs and community micro-enterprises working on a self-employed basis, can play a valuable and legitimate role in providing personalised support. This is only possible when their working arrangements genuinely meet HMRC and employment law criteria and responsibilities regarding the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The development of the guide has been led by Think Local Act Personal, the National Direct Payments Forum, Independent Living Group and Community Catalysts, with contributions from a wide range of further partners. It includes case studies illustrating areas of compliance, risk and examples of lawful self‑employment within personalised care arrangements.

Our Community Micro-enterprise Development Programmes ensure that micro-providers working as self-employed, meet HMRC, CQC and Employment Agency requirements; they work legally and increase the choice for people looking for some support to have a good life.

Our programmes:

• Provide structured support for people who want to set up their own community micro‑enterprise
• Support legal compliance (regulation, training, policies, governance support)
• Help create safe, personalised local markets
• Reduce reliance on intermediary organisations that could be operating outside of the regulatory framework
• Strengthen resilience in rural and under‑served areas

It is a model of local support that can assist councils to feel confident in supporting personalised approaches, while meeting Care Act duties around market shaping, prevention and personalisation.