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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Handling Service User Belongings and Valuables Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the handling, safeguarding, and management of service user belongings and valuables within {{org_field_name}}. This policy ensures that service users’ possessions are treated with respect, accountability, and transparency, while minimising the risks of loss, theft, or misplacement.

By implementing this policy, we ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards, the Care Act 2014, and best practices in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and their property.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, administrative staff, and management.
• Service users and their families, ensuring their belongings and valuables are protected.
• Third-party contractors and external service providers working within service users’ homes.
• Regulatory bodies and safeguarding teams, ensuring compliance with best practices.

It covers:

• Principles for handling belongings and valuables.
• Inventory and record-keeping procedures.
• Safe storage and security measures.
• Staff responsibilities and conduct.
• Reporting and resolving issues.
• Preventing financial and property abuse.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Care Act 2014 – Placing responsibilities on care providers to protect service users from financial abuse.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Supporting decision-making regarding property management.
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Ensuring protection of service users’ assets.
• Equality Act 2010 – Preventing discrimination and ensuring fair treatment.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensuring confidentiality in handling service user property records.

4. Principles for Handling Belongings and Valuables

Our approach to managing service user belongings and valuables is based on:

• Respect for personal property – Ensuring that all items are handled with care.
• Transparency and accountability – Keeping accurate records of valuables under our care.
• Security and safeguarding – Preventing unauthorised access to belongings.
• Non-intrusive handling – Avoiding unnecessary interference with personal possessions.
• Prompt reporting – Addressing any incidents of lost or missing items immediately.

5. Inventory and Record-Keeping Procedures

To ensure accountability, we implement:

• Initial property inventory – When service users require assistance with valuables, an inventory of high-value items is documented.
• Signed documentation – Service users (or their representatives) and staff sign off on recorded valuables.
• Regular audits and reviews – Ensuring that property records remain accurate and updated.
• Secure storage of records – Confidentiality is maintained in line with GDPR requirements.

6. Safe Storage and Security Measures

To prevent loss or theft:

• Service users retain full access and control over their belongings unless support is needed.
• Storage guidance is followed, ensuring items are safely secured as per service user preference.
• Keys and lockable storage options are available for those needing extra security.
• Staff do not hold or manage large sums of money or valuable items unless explicitly authorised.

7. Staff Responsibilities and Conduct

All staff must:

• Obtain explicit consent before handling any service user belongings.
• Respect privacy and avoid touching personal possessions unless necessary.
• Refrain from borrowing or accepting gifts or gratuities that may lead to conflicts of interest.
• Follow strict documentation and reporting protocols when valuables are handled.

8. Reporting and Resolving Issues

In the event of missing, lost, or damaged belongings:

• Incidents must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager or designated safeguarding officer.
• Investigations are conducted to establish the circumstances.
• Service users and families are informed of any findings and resolutions.
• Preventative measures are introduced to reduce future occurrences.

9. Preventing Financial and Property Abuse

To safeguard service users from financial exploitation or theft:

• Staff undergo mandatory safeguarding training on recognising and preventing abuse.
• Strict financial and property handling protocols are in place.
• Anonymous reporting channels are available for whistleblowing concerns.
• Collaborative working with safeguarding teams ensures swift action against misconduct.

10. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure the effectiveness of this policy:

• Regular audits and inspections of inventory records and security measures are conducted.
• Feedback from service users and families is used to improve handling procedures.
• Policy updates are made in response to regulatory changes or incidents.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• There are legal or regulatory changes requiring updates.
• Issues arise that necessitate revisions to existing procedures.

Service user or staff feedback highlights the need for improvements.

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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.