Decision-making tool: HOST test

Guidance
A tool for authorities to help officers make good decisions on whether to provide gifts, benefits and hospitality
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H – Hospitality

To whom is the gift, benefit or hospitality being provided?

Are recipients external stakeholders, business partners, visiting delegates or individuals of the host organisation?

O – Objectives

Why is a gift, benefit or hospitality being provided?

Is the gift, benefit or hospitality being provided to further the conduct of official business? 

Does it promote and support the authority or government policy objectives and priorities? 

What are the reasons individuals of the host organisation are attending?

S – Spend

Will public funds be spent?

What type of gift, benefit or hospitality is being provided?

Is the expenditure modest, and is alcohol being provided?

Is the expenditure proportionate to benefits obtained for the authority or State?

T – Trust

Will public trust be enhanced or diminished?

Could I publicly explain the rationale for providing the gift, benefit or hospitality?

Is the event being conducted in a way that upholds the reputation of the government sector?

Have good records in relation to providing the gift, benefit or hospitality been kept in accordance with reporting and recording procedures?

Adapted with permission of the Victorian Public Sector Commission.