A question regarding a xmas gift!

cr1mson

I would have politely declined in the first place. In my previous role we were allowed to keep gifts under a certain value but all had to be declared. The paperwork was so complicated it was just easier to say that you weren't allowed to accept anything!

C

sofaspud1234

Gifts however large or small in the care industry are a no i'm afraid. That's the rules.

paddedjohn

OP, open the card in front of the client and politely explain that you cant accept any gifts, at least this way you know for sure that they get their £10 back.

caeler

saintjammyswine wrote: »

When in private sector there were very few rules around receiving of gifts, especially as I was in technical sales in the building industry, christmas was a time when bottles of whisky went round quicker than a cold! Now in the public sector I have to declare everything to my director to ensure transparency.

Coruption and Bribery laws apply just as much in private as in public sector now. Try taking your clients to the olympics, nightmare.

I think you need to be open with your clients and explain that you are not allowed to receive anything but perhaps it is permitted that you stay for a cup of tea and a slice of said cake? (I see Thriftkitten suggested same thing!) It must be hard as these people want to show you their appreciation and a couple of quid, a bottle of wine or a cake is the best way they can.

Mojisola

sofaspud1234 wrote: »

Gifts however large or small in the care industry are a no i'm afraid. That's the rules.

I asked the agency who provide carers for my parents if they were allowed to receive a small Christmas gift from Mum and Dad and was told it was fine. Each of them has been given a small box of chocolates. My Mum would have been quite upset if she hadn't been able to give them something.

skintandscared_2

The Bribery Act 2010 affects everyone, even the private sector. I believe that anything over the value of £15 has to be reported to an officer or director and nothing can be accepted as a gift if it COULD mean you treat that person differently or favourably in your work.

kzaremba

My mom is a hospice nurse and people try to give her cash around the holidays, too, but she's never been able to keep it either. Unless you feel like giving out your home address and having gifts sent directly to you, then you are probably stuck. I thought there were exceptions that allowed you to receive items under a certain value, but not entirely sure about that.

jobbingmusician

I'm the CEO of a charity in the care sector. We allow notional gifts under £10, but NOT cash. I do take your points about the dignity of the client, but I think if it's explained, anyone would understand. I've worked for charities where staff have been accused of stealing thousands of £££ from vulnerable people - the rules are there to protect both sides!

It's outrageous to expect you to drive to the office at your own cost, however. You need to point out to them that you would need travel and time costs reimbursed. And you need a copy of their 'gifts' policy as it is not clear to you at the moment. You understand that you are not allowed to accept cash. Are you allowed wine? A glass of wine? A cake? A slice of cake? And if they haven't got a policy, ask them for one - it should be there TO PROTECT YOU!

penguingirl

I work for the NHS and every trust I've worked with has had a different policy (as is always the way!). Most trusts seem to say that a one-off gift under £10 is ok (but not cash), but it has to be noted. My current trust doesn't seem to have a policy, but one of my clients gave me a small present so I just documented it in her notes and also mentioned it to my supervisor and she seemed happy with that!

ladylouise62

I'm sure that most carers are lovely, but the rules are to stop the dodgy ones taking advantage. I know of one who managed to convince an old lady to leave her the only piece of expensive furniture in the room (came from a big manor house so was very nice) - I have no idea how she managed it as she wasn't that good at her job, and didn't come over as very nice to anyone who met her, but obviously had a silver tongue where it mattered. Luckily we managed to stop that happening and it went to the old lady's daughter in the end.