Acceptance of gifts and rewards

a) It is an offence under the Bribery Act 2013 for a civil servant corruptly to accept any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward for:

1. doing, or refraining from doing, anything in their official capacity or
2. showing favour or disfavour to any person in their official capacity

b) A civil servant must not accept directly or indirectly any gift, reward or benefit from any member of the public or organisation with whom they were brought into contact by reason of their official duties other than:

• Conventional ‘corporate’ hospitality in the course of working visits or meetings;
• Isolated gifts of low value such as diaries, calendars, flowers or chocolate or other items up to the value of £20. Where feasible, such gifts must be shared amongst all of the team members within the relevant budget area

c) If the refusal of a proffered gift is likely to cause offence to the giver, or has been inadvertently received then the early advice of the Designated Finance Officer must be must be sought and followed. If the recipient of such a gift is the Designated Finance Officer then the advice of the Director of Audit Advisory Division must be sought and followed. Exemptions from requirements outlined within Financial Practice Note A.02 may be approved by the Responsible Officer and/or other officers if nominated within the Financial Directions, provided it is made in accordance with Financial Practice Note A.01: Obtaining Approval for Exemptions.

Further information and guidance on gifts and rewards can be found at section FPN A.02 of the Isle of Man Government Financial Regulations

Last updated : March 2024 - Amendment No. 15-196