Become Approved | QCAS Application

Are you currently involved in a safeguarding enquiry?

Yes

Have you ever received a criminal conviction what may show on an enhanced DBS?

Yes

Are you eligible to work in the UK and able to evidence this by way of a UK passport, UK birth certificate, Biometric Residence Card/Permit or EU Settlement Scheme Status?

Yes

QCAS Essentials details

Membership cost

£41.99 (including VAT) for 12 months

When payments start

Payment is taken when you apply. Your application will then be processed

When your membership starts

Your 12-month membership begins only once you are approved

If your application is unsuccessful

Fees are non-refundable. This covers the cost of processing and verification

Personal Information

First Name

Please give your first name as it appears on your official ID documents

Last Name

Please give your last name as it appears on your official ID documents

Email Address

Please supply a valid email address on which we can contact you

Telephone Number

Please supply a valid UK registered phone number for us to contact you

Date of Birth

Unique Tax Reference

Please supply your HMRC Unique Tax Reference, this is optional now but will be required at renewal.

Address Information

Please supply your home address. This should be the same as on your official ID

No & Street

Address 2

City

County

Post Code

Introduction Service/Third Party

Are you supported by a organisation and would like QCAS to keep them updated with your application progress and future membership status?

I am supported by an organisation and would like to keep them updated regarding my application and membership

I am independent

Declarations (You need to read and accept)

QCAS Code of Conduct for Personal Assistants

The QCAS Code of Conduct sets out the professional standards expected of all Personal Assistants approved by the Quality Care Approval Scheme.

This Code is designed to provide clarity for Personal Assistants, service users, and organisations about the standards expected under QCAS approval.

This Code forms part of the QCAS Professional Standard and applies to all approved Personal Assistants.

Introduction

This Code of Conduct defines the professional standards expected of all Personal Assistants approved by the Quality Care Approval Scheme (QCAS).

It sets out how you are expected to act, behave, and deliver support when working with individuals, families, and others.

As a QCAS-approved Personal Assistant, you are recognised as an independent professional, responsible for maintaining high standards of care, conduct, and accountability.

This Code reflects the level of professionalism, trust, and responsibility expected of those approved by QCAS.

1. Person-Led Support and Independence

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

2. Respect, Dignity and Equality

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

3. Safeguarding and Protection

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

4. Professional Boundaries and Conduct

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

5. Working as an Independent Personal Assistant

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

6. Communication and Relationships

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

7. Working with Families and Representatives

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

8. Confidentiality and Information Handling

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

9. Competence, Development and Accountability

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

10. Safety, Risk and Responsibility

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

11. Handling Concerns, Complaints and Feedback

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

12. Financial Integrity and Trust

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

13. Representation of QCAS Approval

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

Closing Statement

Being approved by QCAS reflects a commitment to:

Professionalism
Accountability
High-quality, person-led support

Failure to meet the expectations set out in this Code may result in review or removal of QCAS approval.

Version 2.0 – Updated April 2026

Quality Care Approval Scheme (QCAS Essentials)

Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms:

“QCAS” means the Quality Care Approval Scheme
“Member” / “You” means any Personal Assistant applying for or holding QCAS Essentials approval
“Approval” means acceptance onto the QCAS Essentials scheme
“Code of Conduct” means the QCAS Code of Conduct (as updated from time to time)
“Scheme Criteria” means the requirements set out in Schedule 1
“Membership” means your participation in QCAS Essentials following Approval

2. Agreement

By applying for, obtaining, or maintaining Approval, you agree to:

These Terms and Conditions
The Code of Conduct
The Scheme Criteria (Schedule 1)

These documents together form the agreement between you and QCAS.

3. Nature of the Service

QCAS Essentials provides a basic verification and approval service for independent Personal Assistants and carers.

Under QCAS Essentials:

QCAS does not verify training or qualifications
QCAS does not verify insurance
QCAS does not provide training or insurance as part of Membership

QCAS:

Does not employ Personal Assistants
Does not provide, manage, or supervise care
Does not direct or control services delivered

You remain fully responsible for all services you provide.

4. Conditions of Approval

Approval is conditional upon you:

Complying with the Code of Conduct at all times
Meeting and maintaining the Scheme Criteria
Providing accurate and complete information
Complying with all applicable laws and regulations

Failure to meet these conditions may result in suspension or removal of Approval.

5. Your Responsibilities

You agree to:

Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information at all times
Respond promptly to reasonable requests from QCAS
Notify QCAS of any material changes affecting your suitability
Cooperate with any review, investigation, or request for information

6. Fees and Payment

Membership is available as:

£41.99 (including VAT) for a 12-month period

Application Stage

Fees are payable from the date of application.

During this period:

Your application will be processed

Payment during the application stage does not constitute Approval.

Approval and Membership Term

The 12-month Membership term begins only upon Approval.

General

Fees are non-refundable except where required by law
Fees paid during the application stage are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application

7. Renewal

Approval must be renewed every 12 months.

To renew, you must:

Continue to meet the Scheme Criteria
Provide any requested documentation
Pay the applicable renewal fee

QCAS may take into account complaints, concerns, or other relevant information when assessing renewal.

8. Suspension and Termination

QCAS may suspend or terminate your Approval where:

You breach these Terms
You fail to meet the Scheme Criteria
Concerns are raised regarding your conduct or suitability

Where appropriate:

You will be notified and given an opportunity to respond
QCAS may agree corrective actions and timescales

QCAS may immediately suspend Approval where:

Safeguarding concerns arise
Police or regulatory authorities are involved

Approval may remain suspended until an outcome is determined.

9. Effect of Suspension or Termination

If your Approval is suspended or terminated:

You must not represent yourself as QCAS-approved
You must cease use of the QCAS name, logo, or badge
Your approval status may be updated publicly
Any third-party organisations using the QCAS checking service may be notified
You are responsible for informing your service users where appropriate

10. Limitation of Liability

QCAS provides a verification and approval service only.

QCAS does not:

Employ, manage, supervise, or direct Personal Assistants
Provide care or services to service users

QCAS accepts no responsibility or liability for:

The delivery, quality, or outcome of services provided by Members
Any loss, damage, or claim arising from services provided by a Member

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where it cannot be excluded by law.

11. Third Party Services

Any services, benefits, or products accessed by Members are provided by third parties.

QCAS:

Does not guarantee the availability, suitability, or performance of third-party services
Accepts no liability for any third-party products or services

12. Use of QCAS Branding

You may only use the QCAS name, logo, or approval status:

While your Approval is active
In accordance with any guidance provided

Use must cease immediately upon suspension or termination.

13. Changes to Terms

QCAS reserves the right to update these Terms, the Code of Conduct, and the Scheme Criteria at any time.

Where changes are significant, reasonable notice will be provided.

Continued Membership constitutes acceptance of any updates.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Schedule 1 – Scheme Criteria (QCAS Essentials)

1. Competence and Scope of Work

You must:

Only provide services you are competent and appropriately experienced to deliver
Ensure you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and capability

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

You must:

Comply with all relevant UK legislation
Register with any regulatory body where required

3. Safeguarding

You must:

Maintain appropriate safeguarding awareness
Take appropriate action where concerns arise
Notify QCAS where safeguarding concerns involve you

4. Training

You are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate training relevant to the services you provide.

QCAS does not verify, assess, or approve training under QCAS Essentials.

5. DBS and Background Checks

You must:

Hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate
Maintain subscription to the DBS Update Service where required

Where applicable, you may be required to provide overseas police checks.

QCAS will not progress applications where DBS or police checks disclose criminal convictions that are considered incompatible with the standards of the scheme.

6. Insurance

You are responsible for ensuring you hold appropriate insurance where required.

QCAS does not verify, provide, or assess insurance under QCAS Essentials.

7. Complaints and Record Keeping

You must:

Maintain appropriate records of services provided
Maintain records of complaints and actions taken
Notify QCAS of complaints where requested

8. Risk Assessment

You must carry out appropriate risk assessments to ensure safety for:

Service users
Yourself
Others affected by your work

9. References

You must:

Provide references as requested
Consent to references being shared with potential service users

10. Identity and Right to Work

You must:

Provide documents to verify your identity
Provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK

Identity verification may be carried out using an approved third-party provider, including Yoti, and you agree to comply with any such process as required.

11. Disclosure Obligations

You must notify QCAS of:

Safeguarding concerns involving you
Complaints made against you
Any change in circumstances affecting your suitability

12. Substitution

Where you provide a substitute:

They must be QCAS approved
They must comply with these Terms and the Code of Conduct

Start your QCAS Essentials application

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QCAS Essentials details

Personal Information

Address Information

Introduction Service/Third Party

Declarations (You need to read and accept)