Gifts

Introduction

The Board agrees that it has a responsibility to ensure that expenditure on gifts incurred by the School must clearly be linked to the business of the School. The Board has agreed on the fundamental principles of this Procedure, and has delegated responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of this Procedure to the Principal.

Giving Gifts

All gifts should be purchased through the school’s normal purchase procedures. All gift purchases must be noted on the school monthly accounts.

The cost of a gift should be reasonable and appropriately reflect the benefit received.

If the gift is to be given during international travel, then the staff member should receive authorisation for the value of the intended koha/gift before the travel. If the need to purchase a gift arises unexpectedly during international travel, then a full record of the gift should be noted. The cost of such a gift should be justifiable to the Board.

Receiving Gifts

Gifts should not be accepted if there is concern that their acceptance could be seen by others as an inducement or a reward that might place the staff member under an obligation.

If gifts received are small and of little value (under $50), then the recipient may keep the gift.

If the gift is larger and more valuable, then the recipients must advise the Board of the gift. The gift will be given to the school to use unless the Board agrees to an exception to this procedure.

If the gift arises from an employee’s role as an employee of the Board, then the gift remains the property of the Board. Receipt of the gift should be declared to the Principal.

A formal register of gifts must be kept if the gift is obviously in excess of $50 in value or is attractive in nature. Gifts regarded as attractive in nature include jewellery, watches and electronic items.