Gifts and Hospitality Policy
5. Gifts and Hospitality
5.1 Gifts of low intrinsic value such as promotional calendars or diaries, or small tokens of gratitude, can be accepted. If there is any doubt as to whether the acceptance of such an item is appropriate, staff should decline the gift or refer the matter to their line manager.
5.2 Where approval is granted, any gift or hospitality received with an equivalent value of £30 or over must be recorded in the relevant Register of Gifts and Hospitality.
5.3 In cases where a staff member receives a gift on behalf of the University, the gift remains the property of the University. The gift may be required for departmental display or it may, with the line-manager’s approval, remain in the care of the recipient. Unless otherwise agreed, the gift should be returned to the Department on or before the recipient’s last working day (see Staff Leaving guidelines)
5.4 Modest hospitality, provided it is reasonable in the circumstances, for example, lunches in the course of working visits, may be acceptable, though it should be similar to the scale of hospitality which LJMU as an employer would be likely to offer (see LJMU Hospitality Expenses).
5.5 It is recognized that LJMU conducts business with other, often international, organizations where it is normal practice to offer relatively generous gifts and hospitality, and where offence may be given by rejection. In cases where an immediate decision is necessary, staff can accept a gift or hospitality on behalf of LJMU which must be declared to their line manager on return.
5.6 Staff attendance at sporting and cultural events at the invitation of suppliers, potential suppliers or consultants is not normally acceptable to the University. Where it is considered that there is a benefit to LJMU in a member of staff attending a sponsored event, the attendance should be formally approved by the relevant line manager.
5.7 Where business gifts are provided by LJMU they must not exceed £50 in a year for any one recipient and must not be provided in expectation of material benefit to LJMU or any associated employee or agent. (See LJMU Entertainment Expenses).
