In the early days of Touretteshero I met a well-known actress who was researching Tourettes for a role in a film. We met in a pub near where I live. At the time it amused me that we were both accompanied by our personal assistants (PAs). I joked that the roles were quite different though, her PA organised her international jet set lifestyle for her, while mine was there to stop me stabbing myself in the eye with a biro.

That joke doesn’t really work now because these days my PA does both – providing the vital support that makes it possible for me to lead a vibrant disabled-led arts organisation and work nationally and internationally. They still need to keep a close eye on me and my tics in case I ever get access to any hard or sharp objects.

I’ve been reflecting recently on the powerful role PAs play in my life, particularly in my working life because Claire, who’s been doing this job for the last three years, is leaving at the end of the year.

Today we start the process of finding someone new to take on this role. If you’re interested, here are the things you need to know:

Essential Info
It’s 36 hours a week, over 4 days.
It’s based in Peckham, South London
The salary is £26,290 pa for 4 days a week, with a planned pay rise in April 2023.

Because an element of this role involves supporting me with personal care, particularly if we’re touring or traveling, it’s an occupational requirement that my PA is female.

If you’re a confident and organised person, interested in being part of a small creative company and have a good sense of humour and a willingness to learn, this could be the role for you. Training in my specific support requirements will be provided.

The full job pack is available here.

The application deadline is: Monday 31st October at 12.00 noon.

I’m excited and nervous about this process. My PA is crucial to me being able to do my job, and we have some great new creative, solidarity and research projects happening over the next year, so finding the right person to join the team is essential.

Lots of disabled people are struggling to find support at the moment, so I want to make sure that this opportunity reaches as many people as possible. If you know someone who might be good for this role, please share this post with them. If you have any questions please get in touch. If you want to learn more about Touretteshero’s work, this post and this video might be of interest.

I’m looking forward to finding someone great for this role.