OPG Supervision, Support and Home Visits
One of the roles of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is supervising court-appointed deputies.
The OPG have the authority to contact a deputy or pay them a visit. One purpose is to check that deputies are fulfilling their main obligations and responsibilities by using effective methods.
As a deputy, you can also get expert advice and support from the Office of the Public Guardian.
Note: The OPG has published an advice guide for court-appointed deputies who are looking after adults at risk.
How Deputies are Supervised
During their first year, new deputies receive a ‘general’ level of supervision from the OPG. Following that, people acting as a property and affairs deputy would move to ‘minimal’ supervision if (both):
- The accounts you are managing are less than £21,000.
- A general level of supervision is not required any longer.
Note: Significant differences apply after moving to the ‘minimal’ level of supervision. You pay lower deputy fees and you can write a shorter annual report than deputies who get ‘general’ supervision.
OPG Supervision Visits
It is not uncommon to get a visit from a Court of Protection visitor. If that happens, the purpose of their visit will be:
- To ensure you understand your duties and are carrying them out in the proper manner.
- To check whether you are receiving the correct level of support from the Office of the Public Guardian.
- As part of an investigation (e.g. because of a complaint about the way you are managing the affairs).
Note: As a rule, the visitor will not turn up unannounced. In most cases, they will call you beforehand to explain why they want to make a visit and then arrange a suitable date for the appointment.
How to Contact the OPG
You should inform the OPG if you plan to make an important decision on behalf of the person at risk. An example would be wanting to sell their property so you can move them into a care home.
Office of the Public Guardian
Telephone: 0300 456 030
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Find out about call charges.
Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Becoming a Deputy | Find out how the Court of Protection authorises deputies in the United Kingdom.
Accounts and Expenses | A guide to deputy accounting rules for making gifts and recording expenses.