GIFTS AND GRATUITIES

Policy

The Care Worker Agency understands that customers may sometimes wish to express their gratitude to employees by making gifts to them.  However The Care Worker Agency also acknowledges that this frequently can lead to misunderstandings and even allegations of staff misconduct.

The company policy is that no gift or gratuities are acceptable except during the month of December when a small gift of up to £10 in value (not alcohol, cash or vouchers) is acceptable and for birthdays.

Employees who do not declare the offer or receipt of a gift could face disciplinary action in view of the implications and risks associated with this matter to the company. This policy is for the protection of the customer, the company and all employees.

Procedure

The Care Worker Agency and its employees deliver care to customers for agreed fees.  Staff must not under any circumstances, hint or ask for any form of gratuity, even in a humorous or off-hand manner.

Care workers must not tell customers when their birthday occurs (or members of their family) because the customer may feel compelled to provide a gift.

Where a customer wishes to provide a gift to a particular care worker there are a number of procedures which must be followed:

  1. The customer should be discouraged from providing gifts if at all possible.

  1. During the month of December if the customer is adamant that they wish to make a gift they must be made to understand that only gifts of a value of less than £10.00 are acceptable.  (e.g. small box of chocolates).  In this situation the employee must write in the care plan and must report the fact to the office. The manager must also make a record of the event.

  1. Cash or cheques must not be accepted under any circumstances.

  1. In this circumstance the customer must telephone the registered manager to tell them that the gift is about to be made.

  1. The fact that a gift has been made must be recorded in the files of both the customer and the care worker.

  1. The care worker must send a letter or card of thanks.

Reviewed April 2025 by Fay Townsend-Jackson