Who can apply?
The scheme is open to firms of professionals i.e. solicitors, accountants firms etc. have five or more guardianship cases.
Firm’s wishing to join must sign up to the Professional Guardian’s Scheme Terms and Conditions and complete an application form.
Each firm must nominate a ‘scheme owner’ (NSO), this is a person within the firm who has authority to address any issues in relation to the scheme or how individuals with in the firm operate the scheme.
How does it work?
First and final accounts will continue to be fully reviewed however all other intermediate accounts will fall under the scheme criteria. Accounts falling under the scheme must meet a quality standard, which we refer to as ‘a clean account’
A professional account declaration form must be completed for all interim accounts due at the end of the account period. The declaration provides general information about the case, the account balances and any changes since the last account.
The declaration signed by the financial guardian will confirm that the work carried out and that any fees and remuneration taken are in line with the AWI Act and the Code of Practice issued by Scottish Government. Remuneration should be taken within 12 months of the award being made. If remuneration has accrued please contact us before completing the form.
We will then call for a random % of cases to be submitted for a full review. We will charge the minimum fee per case selected.
Simplified and full accounts
Based on the circumstances of each case, we will either ask you to complete a simplified or standard account. A simplified account will only apply when the adult’s estate is less than £30,000. We are looking for you to provide general, low level information as the adult’s estate is under £30,000. However, more detailed information is required if you have been asked to complete the standard full account form.
When you send the form to us you will need to send supporting information, such as:
- bank statements covering the full period
- all contract notes for the sale or purchase of stocks and shares
- receipts / invoices for purchases of items over the value of £100
- award letters from the Department of Work & Pensions / Benefits Agency
- evidence that you have renewed the bond of caution
The Code of Practice provided by the Scottish Government offers further guidance on this.