Direct Payments Support Service

Diverse Cymru is contracted by the Local Authorities of Newport, Swansea and Gwynedd to provide free support services and advice to recipients of direct payments in their areas. The support that is provided is based on their needs and is tailored to the individual and their wishes.

If you are looking for an organisation to assist with direct payments in another area, please contact your local authority so they can direct you to the local service provider.

Our Direct Payments Team can provide assistance with:

• Advice on budgeting with direct payments
• Identify appropriate care agencies
• Explaining employment legislation and an employer duties
• Registering the individual in receipt of direct payments as an employer and liaising with HM Revenue and Customs on their behalf.
• Creating job descriptions and assisting with advertising for and recruiting personal assistants (PAs)
• Arranging Manual Handling training for PAs
• Free Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS, formerly Criminal Records Bureau) checks for PAs
• Liaising with local authorities to provide manual handling training for PAs who require it as part of their role
• Putting together employment documents (contracts, annual leave records etc.)
• Advising on Employer’s Liability Insurance
• Managed Banking
• Payroll
• A Personal Assistant Matching Service (PAMS)

Our Direct Payments Teams

• Teresa Smale - Senior Direct Payments Payroll Accounts Officer


• Karl Marwood - Business Support Officer
• Stephen Evans - Payroll Officer
• Newport City Council Contacts
• Telephone number: 01633 656656

• Teresa Smale - Senior Direct Payments Payroll Accounts Officer


• Karl Marwood - Business Support Officer
• Stephen Evans - Payroll Officer

• Swansea Council Contacts
• Telephone number: 01792 636445

• Teresa Smale - Senior Direct Payments Payroll Accounts Officer


• Awen Tudor - Payroll and Managed Accounts Officer
• Mandy Morsley - Independent Living Advisor

Our Direct Payments Team can:

• Attend information visits with social workers unfamiliar with direct payments to potential recipients
• Visit local organisations with an interest in direct payments to provide information about the scheme
• Take part in consultations at a strategic level for the benefit of direct payment recipients

Diverse Cymru’s Direct Payments team are available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm.

If you have any queries regarding the support that the Direct Payments team can offer please email: directpayments@diverse.cymru