8.5 Money and gifts
- Staff may collect Clients' pensions and allowances from the Post Office, and pay bills or do shopping on their behalf.
- It may be appropriate for a community support worker to act as agent for a Client in respect of benefits, but they must not act as appointee. All transactions must be recorded as detailed in handling services users money employees must not sell goods or services to Clients, nor must they buy from them, lend them money or accept a loan from them.
- Staff must not witness wills, nor may they accept bequests or gifts from Clients
- Staff must not involve Clients in gambling syndicates (e.g. National Lottery or football pools).
- If asked to dispose of any items other than normal domestic refuse, either by throwing it away or by selling it, staff must inform their Team Leader first. If it is to be thrown away signed permission must be obtained from the Client. If it is to be sold, the owner should be referred to a reputable dealer and advised to obtain a proper receipt.
This document was updated in 26 January 2007
