CH215-Peoples Personal Belongings Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
People’s Personal Belongings Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the personal belongings of individuals supported by {{org_field_name}} are treated with the utmost respect, care, and security. This policy supports the rights of people we support to maintain control over their possessions and ensures that care workers handle all items appropriately and safely. It aligns with Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment), and Regulation 17 (Good Governance) under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, agency and bank staff providing care or support services on behalf of {{org_field_name}} within a person’s home. It includes guidance on managing, storing, and respecting individuals’ personal possessions during care delivery.
3. Related Policies
- CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
- CH41 – Managing Service User Finances Policy
4. Policy Statement and Principles
{{org_field_name}} is committed to protecting people’s personal belongings as an extension of their right to dignity, privacy, and personal identity. We recognise that personal possessions may have financial, practical, or deep sentimental value. Staff are expected to handle all personal property with care, seek consent before touching or moving items, and follow documentation and safeguarding procedures where required.
4.1 Respect for Personal Property
All personal belongings must be respected at all times. This includes clothing, jewellery, furniture, documents, assistive equipment, religious or cultural items, photographs, and household goods. Staff must never borrow, use, move, or dispose of personal items without clear permission from the individual. When providing care that involves access to belongings (e.g. dressing, laundry, or room cleaning), staff must explain what they are doing and seek verbal consent.
4.2 Consent and Choice
Individuals have the right to make decisions about their belongings, including how they are stored, used, or maintained. If care involves assistance with possessions (e.g. putting away laundry or helping with devices), staff must follow the individual’s preferences. Where the person lacks capacity to consent to decisions involving their belongings, a best interest decision must be made in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and documented in the care plan.
4.3 Security of Valuables
Although individuals are responsible for safeguarding their own possessions, {{org_field_name}} staff have a duty to support individuals in securing high-value or important items. If asked, staff may assist in placing valuable items in secure areas of the home, such as lockable cupboards. Staff must never retain possession of service users’ bank cards, jewellery, or personal identification. Any concerns about theft, loss, or tampering must be reported immediately under the CH13 – Safeguarding Policy.
4.4 Record-Keeping and Inventory
Where a person we support requests staff involvement in managing or storing high-value items (e.g. medication, documents, or heirlooms), this must be clearly documented in the care plan and signed by the individual. If a care package includes the management of possessions during periods of absence (e.g. hospital admission), an inventory may be created and reviewed upon return. All records must be kept securely in line with CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy.
4.5 Laundry and Clothing Management
Staff supporting individuals with washing, drying, folding, or ironing must handle clothing with care, ensuring correct sorting and return of items. Any clothing requiring repairs or replacements must be reported to the individual or their family/advocate. Staff must not remove or discard clothing or personal linens without explicit consent.
4.6 Handling of Deceased Individuals’ Belongings
In the unfortunate event of a person’s death, staff must not handle or remove any belongings unless instructed by the next of kin or authorised personnel. A written record of belongings left in the home and actions taken must be made. Staff must treat the person’s property with dignity and follow organisational and legal guidance relating to deceased estates.
4.7 Reporting and Incident Management
Any allegation, suspicion or evidence of missing, damaged, or stolen personal items must be treated seriously and reported to the Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}} and the Safeguarding Lead {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} without delay. A safeguarding referral may be necessary, and all incidents must be recorded using our internal reporting system in line with CH24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy.
4.8 Staff Conduct and Professional Boundaries
Staff must never accept gifts of monetary value or take possession of any personal items belonging to individuals we support. Any expressions of appreciation should be acknowledged professionally and, if appropriate, referred to the Registered Manager. Staff found in breach of this policy may be subject to disciplinary procedures under the CH28 – Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy.
4.9 Training and Supervision
All staff receive training on dignity in care, safeguarding, record-keeping, and professional boundaries as part of induction and ongoing development. Supervisors ensure that practice around the handling of personal belongings is monitored and addressed in one-to-one supervision and spot checks. Staff are encouraged to reflect on how they respect individual preferences and personal space as part of good person-centred care.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to updates in legislation, best practice guidance, or feedback from individuals using the service. The current version is available on {{org_field_website}} or upon request via {{org_field_email}}.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.