Colleague Handbook
Colleague Handbook
This policy on gifts and hospitality relates not only to suppliers and contractors but also to all external stakeholders that Barnardo’s works with, or could potentially work with.
You should avoid accepting gifts and hospitality from stakeholders where this might be open to misinterpretation or when a significant decision regarding that stakeholder is imminent. If you are unsure whether it is appropriate to accept a gift or hospitality you should always seek advice from your line manager.
Failure to disclose relationships, hospitality and gifts as per relevant paragraphs below will render you liable for formal conduct action, which could result in dismissal.
All gifts and hospitality above the specified limits must be recorded on the Gifts and Hospitality Register form (available to Executive Leadership Group members only here.)
This register will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Company Secretary and any concerns raised with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Chief Executive.
The working relationship between colleagues and suppliers, contractors (or any other stakeholder) should remain professional.
If you engage with or supervise contractors who you have previously had, or currently have a relationship in a private or domestic capacity with, you must declare that relationship to your line manager. If you are using the services of a supplier or contractor personally, or for your partner/ family, you must declare that to your line manager.
Evidence of the value of the works undertaken may be required. If you are in any doubt about any offer made being misconstrued as a potentially corrupt practice, please speak with your line manager.
Barnardo’s discourages colleagues from accepting or giving gifts or hospitality (including services). While it is accepted that the occasional modest giving and acceptance of gifts and hospitality may make a legitimate contribution to good business relationships, it is essential that they do not influence, nor be perceived to influence the outcome of transactions or decisions relating to Barnardo’s business. It is therefore necessary to consider whether the giving or receiving of the gift or hospitality is appropriate.
The key policy elements are:
Offer or acceptance by colleagues of gifts valued at more than £35 (including VAT) or hospitality valued at more than £140 must be approved by the relevant line manager and recorded, whether accepted or rejected, in the departmental gifts and hospitality register. This includes gifts by way of gratuities for lectures, broadcast or similar, and awards or prizes. The acceptance of frequent gifts from a single source is discouraged.
Colleagues should refuse to accept gifts or hospitality which could influence or appear to influence decisions made on behalf of Barnardo’s; and
If there is any doubt about the propriety of accepting a gift or hospitality, colleagues should seek advice from the Head of Legal & Company Secretary.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in formal conduct action and could result in colleagues and/or Barnardo’s, amongst other things, suffering serious reputational damage or being subject to criminal prosecution under the Bribery Act 2010.
Full details are in the Gifts & Hospitality Policy.