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Mini blog - Access To Work

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:53:56 GMT

Access To Work - How does it work and how do I access it???

Welcome to this month’s mini blog where I am building upon last month's discussion on mental health matters, this month, I delve deeper into a crucial support system that often goes unnoticed: the 'Access to Work' funding scheme.

In my role as a support worker/virtual assistant, I have had the privilege of working closely with clients who access the 'Access to Work' funding scheme to propel their businesses forward. It is disheartening to see that many people remain unaware of this valuable scheme and the support it provides, potentially missing out on the assistance they are entitled to.

Specifically, I work with individuals who have ADHD and ASD and have successfully obtained grants for support workers. Together, we tackle the challenges of planning, organising, and managing their business and personal affairs. However, as you continue reading, you will discover that 'Access to Work' offers various types of support and funding tailored to different disabilities and mental health conditions.

Join me on this journey as I shed light on the untapped potential of the 'Access to Work' scheme. Let's empower individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavours…happy reading…

Access to Work is a government scheme designed to assist individuals with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities in obtaining or maintaining employment.

Eligibility:

To qualify for Access to Work support, you must:

Have a physical or mental health condition or disability that requires job-related support.
Be 16 years or older.
Be employed, self-employed, or about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks.
Live and work (or about to start/return to work) in England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has a different system).
Not reside in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Access to Work Funding: The program offers various forms of support based on individual needs, including:

Grants to cover practical support at work: This includes funding for BSL interpreters, note takers, adaptations to vehicles, taxi fares, support workers, and job coaches.
Support for managing mental health at work: Access to Work provides tailored plans and one-on-one sessions with mental health professionals.

Income and Benefits:

Access to Work support is available regardless of your earnings or savings. You can receive it alongside most benefits, as long as you work more than one hour per week. If you're receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you can access both ESA and Access to Work funding simultaneously if you work less than 16 hours a week.

Applying for Access to Work:

To apply for Access to Work funding, check your eligibility and submit your application directly to the scheme. For mental health support, you can apply through Able Futures or Maximus, depending on your circumstances.

Remember, Access to Work funding is aimed at providing practical assistance and support to ensure your success in the workplace or for the success of your business, regardless of your disability or health condition. Take advantage of this opportunity to overcome challenges and thrive in your professional journey!

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Access to Work website: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Mental Health Matters: Supporting your own and employee’s mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:03:30 GMT

Mental Health Matters: Supporting your own and employee’s mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

Welcome to this month's blog and thank you for taking the time to read it. Mental Health Awareness Week is here, and it's time for business owners to take a closer look at how they can support their own and their employees' mental wellbeing so this is what I wanted to focus my blog on this month as it is also a subject that is very close to my heart.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 employees experience mental ill health such as anxiety, depression, and stress at work. This is a significant number, and it's important that businesses take action to address this issue and reduce the stigma that is often associated to the physically unseen mental health conditions that more and more people are facing.

I am no stranger to mental health and as mentioned above the subject matter remains very close to my heart, especially as the theme this year for mental health awareness week is anxiety; as someone who has dealt with anxiety and panic disorder in my own life, I know first-hand how challenging and debilitating these conditions can be. But through counselling and other forms of support, I have come to accept that anxiety isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it's a natural and healthy response to perceived threats or danger, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or excessive, it can become a significant problem, impacting our daily lives and overall wellbeing. One of the most important things I learned through my own journey with anxiety and subsequently yet quite ironically becoming an accredited trainer for Mental Health First Aid England is that it's crucial to face and get to the bottom of it. Ignoring or avoiding the underlying causes of anxiety can make it worse and lead to more significant problems down the road. Seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, can be an effective way to uncover the root causes of anxiety and develop strategies for managing it.

I've also learned that there are many ways to manage anxiety in our daily lives, such as practicing mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and building a support network of family and friends. It's essential to find what works best for you and to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of anxiety.

Let's remember that anxiety is a prevalent and normal experience that affects many of us. By opening up about our own struggles and seeking support when we need it, we can reduce the stigma and create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.

So… for you busy and stressed business owners out there take note…. It’s time to take action and prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing, and here are some top tips to get you started:

Take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's just a few minutes to stretch or take a walk. My breaks often consist of putting the washing in the washing machine or doing the school runs but hey it’s still a break and productive too!
I know this one may be easier said than done especially when you may work from home but set boundaries around work hours and stick to them, set alarms to remind you to have a break or finish work!
Practice self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
Do something for you and only you everyday… watch a tv programme, soak in a bath, read a book or if you’re like me spend half an hour scrolling on TiKTok.
Everything in moderation and not excess… caffeine, cigarettes/vapes and alcohol especially!
Seek support from a therapist or counsellor if you need it. Been there, done that and got a happy t-shirt from it!

Now, let's talk about how you as business owners can support your employees' mental wellbeing. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Offer mental health training for managers and staff to increase awareness and reduce stigma.
Create a flexible work environment that allows for a good work-life balance.
Provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support and advice.
Promote an open-door policy where employees can talk about their mental health concerns without fear of judgement.
Regularly check in with employees to see how they're doing and offer support where necessary.

Access to Work UK government funding scheme

It's also important to note that if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability, you may be entitled to support from the Access to Work scheme. This government-funded scheme provides financial support for reasonable adjustments to help you perform your job effectively. As someone who supports business owners with ADHD, I have seen first-hand how this funding can help with the administrative aspects of running a business. In my experience I have found that this scheme is not widely publicised but is something that people should know about. It can make a huge positive impact on someone’s mental health and wellbeing by having the support of someone helping them with their business matters, personal affairs, organisation and planning etc.… and not having to worry about paying them out of their own pocket. To find out more about this visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work and if you need support once you have your funding in place then please feel free to get in touch for a chat.

Mental health in the workplace is an essential topic that needs to be addressed. By taking proactive steps to support your own and employee’s wellbeing, businesses can create a healthier and happier workplace culture. For further support see the information below and make contact to seek help.

Mind

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

Helpline: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Helpline: 116 123

Rethink Mental Illness

Website: https://www.rethink.org/

Helpline: 0808 802 2208

Mental Health Foundation

Website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Contact: Visit their website for contact options.

YoungMinds

Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544

SANE

Website: https://www.sane.org.uk/

Helpline: 0300 304 7000

Anxiety UK

Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

Helpline: 03444 775 774

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

OCD Action

Website: https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/

Helpline: 0845 390 6232

Beat (Eating Disorders)

Website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Bipolar UK

Website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/

Helpline: 0333 323 3880

PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)

Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Helpline: 0800 068 4141

Please note that the helpline numbers provided may be subject to change. It's always a good idea to visit their respective websites for the most up-to-date contact information.

Safeguard Your Business: Simple and Effective Technology Tips for Business Owners

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:04:53 GMT

Safeguard Your Business: Simple and Effective Technology Tips for Business Owners

Welcome to this month's blog and thank you for taking the time to read it. As a business owner, I understand the importance of keeping both my own data and my clients' data secure. With the help of my IT security expert husband, I've implemented robust measures to ensure maximum protection. However, I realise that not all business owners have access to such resources and may be struggling to secure their data. Therefore, I was inspired to create this blog to provide tools and tips to optimise security measures for your business. So, let's dive in and make sure your data is safe and sound.

Running a business is hard work. As a business owner, you wear many hats, from managing finances to building customer relationships. In the digital age, you also have to worry about protecting your business from cyberattacks. But don't worry, with the right technology and a few simple tips, you can safeguard your business from online threats.

Here are some straightforward and effective technology tips for business owners:

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Using strong and unique passwords is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your business from cyberattacks. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

2. Use a Password Manager

As a business owner, you’re likely have numerous online accounts that require passwords, from email and social media to banking and payment platforms. Keeping track of all these passwords can be overwhelming and risky, especially if you're using weak or duplicate passwords.

This is where a password manager comes in handy. A password manager is a software tool that securely stores and manages all your passwords in an encrypted database. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to access all your accounts.

Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane offer several benefits for individuals and businesses, including:

· Enhanced security: Password managers can generate strong and unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of a data breach or hack.

· Convenient access: With a password manager, you can access all your passwords from any device or browser, making it easy to work remotely or on the go.

· Easy sharing: If you need to share login credentials with team members, password managers allow you to securely share access without revealing the password itself.

· Time-saving: Using a password manager can save you time by eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords, manually enter them, or reset them if forgotten.

· Most password managers offer both free and paid versions, with varying levels of features and security. Choose a password manager that best fits your business needs and budget. I use Lastpass, with this you can either use the free version or pay for the upgraded, the free version is fine for what I use it for and find it really helpful.

By using a password manager, you can improve your online security and protect your business from cyber threats. Don't risk your business's data and reputation by using weak or duplicate passwords - use a password manager to keep your accounts secure.

3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

Keeping your software up-to-date ensures that you have the latest security patches and fixes. Set up automatic updates to save time and prevent vulnerabilities. Don't ignore those update notifications!

4. Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Install a reputable antivirus program on all your computers and make sure it's updated regularly.

5. Backup Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data is critical for protecting your business from data loss in case of a cyberattack or system failure. Use an external hard drive or cloud-based service to back up your data regularly.

6. Develop a Data Protection (GDPR) and Information Security Policy with Processes

Develop a data protection and information security policy that outlines guidelines and procedures for protecting your business's sensitive information. This includes everything from customer data to financial records to employee information. Make sure to establish clear rules for data access, storage, and sharing to avoid data breaches.

You should also define how data is stored, encrypted, and backed up to ensure that it is secure. Establishing a disaster recovery plan in case of a data breach or other disaster can also help protect your business.

Train your employees on the data protection and information security policy and ensure they follow the protocols outlined. Conduct regular audits to check if the policy is being followed and updated to address any gaps or new threats.

Having a robust data protection and information security policy with processes in place is crucial for protecting your business from cyberattacks and data breaches. If you are UK based, I would recommend visiting Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) which can provide a whole host of information and support for your business. You will also need to register with them if you are collecting, processing and storing data.

7. Educate Yourself and Your Employees

Educate yourself and your employees about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Train your employees to identify and report suspicious emails, phishing scams, and other online threats.

By following these simple and effective technology tips, you can safeguard your business from cyberattacks and protect your digital presence. Remember, the security of your business is crucial for your success, so make sure to prioritise it.

Stay safe and stay successful!

Real-life Virtual Assistants vs. AI: Which One is Right for You?

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:03:03 GMT

Real-life Virtual Assistants vs. AI Virtual Assistants and Tools: Which One is Right for You?

As a virtual assistant of the human variety, I have been recently started using more AI in my role and I have to say I am a fan! Whilst it isn’t always accurate and needs to be fact checked I have found using tools such as ChatGPT can save time and money for both my own and my client’s businesses. So, with my relatively new found use of AI I thought it would be a good idea as a blog to explore the differences between real-life and AI virtual assistants and tools, and provide insights into the benefits and drawbacks of each.

I may be a little biased in this comparison. After all, I have a soft spot for the personal touch and connection that a real-life assistant can provide. But let's be honest, I can't deny the value of AI programmes like ChatGPT. In fact, I like to think of AI as my trusty sidekick, helping me out when I need to be in two places at once or when I just need a little extra brainpower to get the job done. So, while I may be Team Human, I can definitely see the benefits of incorporating AI technology into my business.

Let's start with AI virtual assistants and tools. AI virtual assistants come in various forms, including chatbots, digital assistants, and voice assistants. Chatbots are typically used for customer service and can handle a wide range of inquiries. Digital and Voice assistants, such as Google Assistant/Home, Siri and Alexa are great for simple tasks like setting reminders, answering basic questions, and a firm favourite in our house is the kids asking Alexa to change the lights to different colours, which is another benefit in that you connect and control other home devices to them such as heating and lighting (with the cost of heating we don’t ask Alexa to do that one very often). Plus, they never tire or need a break, which can be a big plus for businesses looking to save time and money. However, they can also be impersonal and lack the human touch. I tend to think that AI virtual assistants are more often used in a personal capacity rather than business, but can see the value in reminding of business appointments etc…

Now ChatGPT as I mentioned above has become my little sidekick over the last few months along with another programme called Jasper, I use both of these to support with my own and client’s social media campaigns, blog writing (including this blog) and research. The biggest advantages to using these tools are their ability to work around the clock and that they are also incredibly fast and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which can be a huge timesaver. On the other hand, AI tools are limited in their ability to fully understand and interpret human emotions and nuance, which can sometimes lead to miscommunication or errors in handling tasks and the data produced is not always accurate and needs to be fact checked, bear in mind the current prototype of ChatGPT only provides accurate data up to 2021 so it’s not quite there with up-to-date 2023 data.

In contrast to the above, real-life virtual assistants of the human variety bring a personal touch and understanding of the client's needs, which can be difficult for AI to replicate. Additionally, human assistants can adapt to changing needs and preferences over time, making them a more flexible option. However, they do require time off and cannot be available 24/7 like their AI counterparts.

To help you understand the differences between real-life and AI virtual assistants and AI tools, here is a handy little visual...

As you can see above, real-life virtual assistants excel in areas like personal touch, customisation, and complex tasks. AI virtual assistants, on the other hand, offer round-the-clock availability and can handle simple tasks quickly and efficiently. AI tools and virtual assistants lack with regards to personal touch due to their limited ability to fully understand human emotions and nuances, but who knows in time I am sure this will improve. In terms of security an actual virtual assistant can provude higher levels of security and confidentiality for sensitive information due to having governance and security policies and procedures in place compared to AI that does not have such measures, yet all are still vulnerable to cyber attacks and hacking, this is probably more so for AI tools and assistance.

It's important to note that all options have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately it depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual or business.

I feel it is important to also address the ethical issues surrounding the use of AI, such as human job losses due to increased automation. As technology advances and AI tools become more sophisticated, there is a risk that some jobs traditionally performed by humans could be replaced. Additionally, there are concerns around plagiarism and copyright, as AI tools like ChatGPT are able to generate content that can resemble that of a human, leading to questions around authorship and ownership.

My personal views are that AI tools like ChatGPT are not meant to replace human interaction entirely, but rather to support and enhance it. While there may be some tasks that can be automated, there will always be a need for human input and oversight. Furthermore, in terms of plagiarism and copyright concerns, it's important to ensure that proper credit is given to the author or source of any content generated by an AI tool, just as one would with content generated by a human. Ultimately, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT can be seen as a way to free up time and resources for humans to focus on higher-level tasks that require human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

In conclusion, as a real-life virtual assistant, I believe that the human touch and personalisation I offer are invaluable to my clients. However, I also see the value in using AI tools like ChatGPT to support me in my role, which in turn helps me support my clients' businesses. So, whether you choose a real-life or AI, the key is to find the right balance for your specific needs. And remember, just because I'm a virtual assistant doesn't mean we can't have a good old-fashioned phone call from time to time!

#virtualassistants #AI #productivity #technology #support #decisionmaking #jobloss #chatbots #digitalassistants #voiceassistants

New Year, new start, new goals!

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:26:10 GMT

Ready, set, goal!

New year, new start, new goals!!!

With it being the new year, I thought what better way to start with a blog and a few top tips for goal setting. Anyone who knows me know that I love a good SWOT analysis and setting myself SMART goals, I find that by doing the analysis, I can then easily set my short and long term goals. I recognise that goal setting is a different process for everyone but is so important to do so hope you enjoy my latest blog and that it supports you on your goal setting journey.

As a business owner or to be fair this can apply to absolutely anyone, it's important to have a clear set of goals to provide direction, focus, and motivation for you and your team (not to mention a sense of accomplishment when you actually achieve them). Goals can be short term, with a timeline of less than a year, or long term, with a timeline of multiple years. Both types of goals are important, but let's be honest – the short-term goals are the ones that make you feel like you're actually getting stuff done.

Short term goals are usually more tactical in nature and focus on specific tasks or objectives that need to be completed in the near future. These goals help to move the business forward and provide a sense of accomplishment. Some examples of short-term goals might include increasing sales by a certain percentage (because let's face it, money talks), launching a new product (because who doesn't love a good product launch?), or improving customer satisfaction (happy customers = repeat business).

Long term goals are more strategic in nature and focus on the bigger picture. These goals may take several years to accomplish and are often more abstract. Some examples of long-term goals might include expanding into new markets (because variety is the spice of life), achieving a certain level of profitability (because, again, money talks), or becoming an industry leader (who doesn't want to be the top dog!?).

Before setting any goals, it's important to assess the current state of the business and identify areas for improvement. One way to do this as I mentioned above is to do a SWOT analysis, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. By analysing the internal and external factors that impact the business, you can identify goals that are aligned with the overall mission and vision of the company.

Once you have potential goals in mind, it's important to make them SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This helps to ensure that your goals are clear, realistic, and achievable. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "improve customer satisfaction," a SMART goal might be "increase customer satisfaction ratings by 10% within the next six months by implementing a new customer service training program."

In addition to setting specific goals, it's important to have a plan in place for achieving them. This can include breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, let's be realistic, "increase profits by 100%" is a little overwhelming, identifying resources and support needed, and establishing timelines for completion. Involving your team in the goal-setting process can also help to increase buy-in and commitment to the goals, remember, teamwork makes the dream work.

Finally, it's important to regularly review and adjust your goals as needed. As your business grows and changes, it's important to make sure that your goals are still relevant and achievable. This will help to keep you and your team focused and motivated as you work towards the overall mission and vision of the company and hopefully avoid any awkward "remember that time we set a goal to conquer the world and it didn't happen?" conversations.

Lucy’s top goal setting tips

1. Start with the end in mind. Before setting any goals, it is important to have a clear understanding of the overall vision and mission of the business. This will help to ensure that goals are aligned with the values and purpose of the company.

2. Make goals SMART. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals are more likely to be successful than vague or overly ambitious goals. Be sure to include clear and realistic targets in your goals.

3 . Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to track progress and stay motivated.

4. Involve your team and don’t forget to include your VA. By involving your team and VA in the goal-setting process, you can tap into their knowledge, skills, and experience, and increase buy-in and commitment to the goals.

5. Regularly review and adjust goals as needed. As your business grows and changes, it is important to regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure that they are still relevant and achievable. This will help to keep you and your team focused and motivated.

6. Remember that goal setting doesn’t need to be made into a difficult task. Keep it simple and record it somewhere that you can easily access and update it, maybe not on the back of a post-it note but on a simple word doc instead.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. To continue with the goal setting theme, come back to my website next week and download my free goal setting guide, I hope it can help you and your business.

The VA Q&A

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:01:27 GMT

What is a Virtual Assistant? your questions answered by a VA!

Hi and thank you for taking the time to come and read this month's blog. I decided it would be a good idea to do a little Q&A as I have come across a few people who hadn't heard of what a Virtual Assistant is and wanted to make it abundantly clear that we are not robots as some may think the title suggests. No, we (VA's) are indeed very human in fact, I would say that we are 'superhuman'. So being the superhuman VA that I am, I have put together a little Q&A blog to give more clarity on the role of a VA and how I work. The answers I have provided are based on my own processes and not necessarily that of other VA's as I'm sure you'll appreciate that everyone works differently.

Q - What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a person who provides remote (virtual) assistance to small businesses.

The VA services can vary dependent on what fields the VA specialises within.

Generally, a VA will provide administrative support such as managing your emails, booking appointments, diary management, social media support, bookkeeping, personal services such as arranging insurance, research etc…. and many other varied services, the list is endless!

By taking on a VA they are more often than not self-employed meaning that you would not be paying the additional costs that go with employing a member of staff. They will have their own equipment, insurances and premises to work from. It is a flexible way of getting the extra support you need without the commitment and cost of taking a staff member on.

Q - What do you do as VA?

My past experience has enabled me to offer a wide range of services that I specialise in such as...

· Email management

· Diary management

· Invoicing

· Document production

· Training materials

· Handling personal matters i.e., Insurance

· Fleet management

· Data entry

· Call handling/customer service

· Data filing and storage

Amongst other vital services that can be found on my website or social media platforms.

Q- How do I go about taking on your VA services?

I want to make your life as easy as possible, all you need to do is….

contact me in a method that suits you (contact form on my website, social media message, email, phone or text) and give me a brief description of your needs and requirements
I will then arrange a 20-30 minute discovery call with you to discuss your requirements/answer questions you may have
After the discovery call, I will send you a proposal within 24 hours which will include my terms of business, booking form and data privacy form (if you need assistance with these then I can help)
Read and sign the forms (physically or electronically) using eversign (a few clicks and it’s done but again, I’m here to help)
Once the forms have been received and date of start confirmed then I will require access to your systems and away we go!

Q - Are there legal contracts involved?

Yes, I have my terms of business which will be sent to you along with the booking and data processing forms. All of these documents form our legal contract to one another. I would also like access to your data processing policy and processes as I will adopt them when working with you and processing your client data.

Q - How do you access my systems and data?

Prior to starting work with you, I will send over my legally binding contract which includes my terms or business, booking form and data processing form.

On the booking and data processing form it will state how we have agreed for me to access your systems; the best way to do this is for you to create a unique log on for me as you would an employee and grant access to me on your shared systems.

Any log in credentials and passwords given to me to access such systems are then stored securely using a password management tool.

Once I have carried out the tasks set and no longer require such access you can then revoke the access as stated in the terms of business document.

Q - How do you keep my business data and client’s personal data safe and secure and in line with legislation (GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018)?

I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office as a Data Controller and am bound by UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 for keeping your data safe, secure and confidential and have processes and systems in place to ensure this.

When working with you I may be processing personal data of your clients, for this you will remain the Data Controller and complete the data processing form giving me access as a Data Processor to your systems and processes as you would an employee. As part of my onboarding process, I will need a copy of your data processing policy as I will adopt and adhere to this whilst working on your projects/tasks.

You will still have control over the data that I have access to, process and store. I will not store any personal data of third parties on my own systems. My terms of business, booking form and data privacy form provide further clarity on this.

Any log in credentials and passwords given to me to access such systems are then stored securely using a password management tool. Once I have carried out the tasks set and no longer require such access you can then revoke the access as stated in the terms of business document.

I do hope that I have now provided more clarity on the role and legal aspects of working with a Virtual Assistant. If you have any other burning questions, then feel free to get in touch with this superhuman VA and I will get them answered for you! See you soon.

Things to consider when working with a Virtual Assistant!

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:36:22 GMT

If you are in need of a Virtual Assistant and whether you choose to work with me or not, (I'm hoping it's not the latter) it is important that you check that your chosen VA has the following:

Insurance (indemnity and cyber)
Legal contracts in place
Knowledge and experience of the intended task/work you need them to do
Secure network to access your software and data
Secure password management software
IT and Data security policy
Registered with ICO

One of the main things that I would want if someone else is working with me is for them to be able to look after my customers information and data safely and securely. My husband is a data security expert, this means that I am fully prepped on the do's and don'ts of information security along with the many years of experience working with personal and sensitive data.

Working with me you can be assured that I have all of the above in place.