1. Introduction

 

2. Policy

 

Appendix 1.       Gift template letter – returnable gift

Appendix 2.       Gift template letter – non-returnable gift

 

1. Introduction

From time to time the unpaid Carers that we support may wish to express their thanks for the support they have received by giving a gift.

This policy covers how you should act when it comes to the receipt of gifts or hospitality while working for Connecting Carers.

 

2. Policy

 

The guiding principle is that staff must not accept gifts, hospitality or other benefits of any kind which might be seen to compromise their personal or professional integrity.

You should return any gifts quickly, with written correspondence politely explaining our policy and that as an employee of HCCF you cannot accept it. Draft template letters are attached to this policy.

If the gift cannot be returned, such as perishables, your line manager may decide whether it can be shared among colleagues or used by the charity.   You should let the person who sent it know what you have done with the gift.   

As you build a supporting relationship with Carers, you may be aware that from time to time refusing a gift may cause offence at a difficult time in their life.  In this situation, you should discuss this with your line manager and if they agree, you may accept the gift if the value is less than £50.  This should be reported to the Head of Finance, detailing who the gift was received from, a description of the gift and its approximate value.  The gift will be recorded on the register of staff gifts.

If you remain unsure about the policy, you should discuss with your line manager or Head of Finance.

Appendix 1.    Gift template letter – returnable gift

 

[Insert Carers Address]

[Insert Date]

Dear [Insert Carers Name]

 

Thank you very much for the kind gift of [Insert Gift] which I recently received.

Connecting Carers have a Gift and Hospitality policy which states that staff are unable to accept gifts from the Carers we support.  This policy is to ensure that we are not seen to compromise our personal or professional integrity.

I have enclosed the gift with this letter.  Thank you once again for your kind thoughts and I look forward to continuing to support you going forward.

Yours sincerely

Insert Name

Connecting Carers

 

Appendix 2.    Gift template letter – non-returnable gift

[Insert Carers Address]

[Insert Date]

Dear [Insert Carers Name]

 

Thank you very much for the kind gift of [Insert Gift] which I recently received.

Connecting Carers have a Gift and Hospitality policy which states that staff are unable to accept gifts from the Carers we support.  This policy is to ensure that we are not seen to compromise our personal or professional integrity.

As it was not possible to return the gift it has [shared among my colleagues OR been donated to a local charity].  Thank you once again for your kind thoughts and I look forward to continuing to support you going forward.

Yours sincerely

[Insert Name]

Connecting Carers