Gifts and bribery

What Counts as Improper Rewards

Your salary and employment benefits are provided by your employer. A service user must never “reward” you for the work you carry out as part of your job. If there is no other relationship than the professional one, gifts or benefits are considered improper.

Wills and Inheritances

Employees may not accept inheritances or gifts through a will from service users. This applies even if you were unaware of the will. You must not participate in drafting a will or act as a witness, as this can raise suspicions of undue influence.

Everyday Gifts

Gifts are more common than wills but must always be handled with caution.

• Money must never be accepted.
• Personal gifts such as flowers, homemade cakes or knitted socks may sometimes be acceptable but should preferably be shared with the whole workplace.
• Seasonal gifts may be received if they are intended for the entire unit, such as flowers for the department at Christmas.
  Even small gifts can create expectations among other service users, which is why they should generally be avoided.

Borrowing Money

Employees must not borrow money from service users or their relatives. Only insignificant amounts, such as a small coin for a parking meter, can be accepted in exceptional cases.

Business Transactions with Service Users

Employees must not enter into business arrangements with service users or their relatives. This includes buying, selling, trading or lending. Mixing financial dealings with care relationships can undermine trust.

Private Services

It is important to separate work from private life. Carrying out private tasks for service users, even with good intentions, can be perceived as expecting something in return. It can also blur the boundaries between professional and personal relationships.

Other Benefits

Non-material benefits are also covered by the rules. These include free services, special discounts or advantages given because of your role. Such benefits must not be accepted.

Handling a Service User’s Wish to Show Appreciation

It is common for service users or relatives to want to express gratitude. In such cases, you must politely explain why you cannot accept the gift. You can say that you are already paid for your work by your employer.

Professional Interaction

It is understandable that service users may want to thank you, especially after long-term care or during difficult situations. As an employee, you need to show empathy while making the rules clear. This protects both you and the service user from misunderstandings.

Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation

If you are offered a gift that cannot be accepted, suggest other ways for the service user to show appreciation. For example, they may provide positive feedback to the service or write a thank-you note to the team.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules

Accepting an improper gift or benefit may constitute bribery. This can lead to a police report, trial, and legal penalties.

Employment Consequences

The employer may take disciplinary action, such as a written warning, dismissal for personal reasons, or in severe cases, termination of employment.

Loss of Trust

Even a small gift can damage trust in you and the Social Services Department. It can create suspicion that some service users receive better care than others.