Gifts and Gratuities Policy

Statement

Cavendish Homecare Professionals provides services in return for agreed fees.  Under no circumstances should nurses or carers seek any other money, gifts, favours or rewards for services rendered, either for yourself or for any third party.

It is not uncommon for a client, their friend or relative, to offer a voluntary gift as a mark of appreciation for care they have received. Cavendish Homecare Professionals believes that giving and receiving such gifts is not generally appropriate to the provision of professional care. Whenever possible any offer of a gift should be politely refused with an explanation that acceptance would be against company policy.

Policy

If refusal is likely to cause serious offence to the client gifts may be accepted under the following rules:

• All offers of gifts should be disclosed to Cavendish Homecare Professionals who will discuss the matter with the client or their advocate.
• A gift of money may only be accepted with the stated intention that it will be passed in full to a charitable organization nominated by the company.
• Gifts of consumables eg flowers, chocolates should be left in the client’s possession to be shared and enjoyed be all members of the nursing and care team.
• Other gifts should be refused with the suggestion of an equivalent donation to charity.
• The Registered Manager will acknowledge all gifts in writing.

Registered Nurses should also refer to the NMC guideline on gifts.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from the Company Register.

Gifts, Wills and Bequests

You have a personal duty to ensure that neither you, nor the company, may legitimately face charges or allegations of malpractice or corruption in their conduct at work. As such a Code of Conduct has been developed by the company which follow good practice and national standards.

Solicitations – Seeking Gifts or Favours

Any agency worker who seeks gifts or favours from clients in return for the services they are required to provide will be subject to formal action which will, almost certainly lead to removal from the company register.

Voluntary Gifts

It is not uncommon for a client or someone closely connected to the client to offer some gift as a mark of appreciation for the care they have received. However, the taking of gifts or acceptance of substantial favours by agency workers from clients or relatives can give rise to embarrassing situations and may be seen as an improper inducement to give some concession in return to the donor. As such it is the company’s policy to discourage the practice of clients or relatives offering gifts to care workers or others employed by the company arises.  Please ask for advice from your manager if this situation arises.

Wills

Staff are prohibited from assisting in the making of or benefiting from a client’s will.  As such you are instructed to refuse to offer any advice whatsoever, either to the client, or anyone connected with the client on the making of wills or their content.

Date: January 2024

Version: 6 (Review)