This User Reference Guide is issued to support the use of the MasterCard Government Procurement Card (GPC) provided by Royal Bank of Scotland for the Scottish Government group of core Departments, Associated Bodies, Executive Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies. The objective of this guide is to give users some background information about the GPC and to specify the policy and procedures for its use.

Please read this guide carefully. The information it contains is important, as it will enable the Card to be used as intended and will avoid unnecessary errors.

Each Card will be issued to a named individual (the Cardholder). The Card must only be used by that Cardholder. Cards are not transferable. The Cardholder will be responsible to their Card Officer, the Card Controller and the Card Executive. The roles and duties of the Cardholder, the Card Officer and the Card Controller are set out in Cardholder Responsibilities, Card Officer Responsibilities and Card Controller Responsibilities.

Prior to a Card being issued, the Cardholder must sign a Declaration Form (countersigned by the Card Officer) that they have read and understood this guide and accept the responsibilities of being a Cardholder. The Card Officer and Card Controller are required to sign similar Declaration Forms. When a card is received the acknowledgement must be signed by the Cardholder and countersigned by their Card Officer. All forms are issued and returned to the Card Controller.

The GPC as held by individuals, offers a simple method to purchase and pay for business-related, low value, non-recurring goods and services which are NOT covered by existing contracts. In certain circumstances the GPC can be used to purchase items covered under a contract but this would be an exception and not standard practice.

The GPC looks, and is used, much like any other MasterCard. and should be accepted by any establishment or organisation which accepts payment by MasterCard. However:

• It cannot be used to withdraw cash;
• It must not be used for any personal purchases;
• The card is a charge card, not a credit card and card balances must be paid in full within 14 days of receipt of invoice.

The GPC programme is managed by the Scottish Procurement Directorate (SPD) and the contract is administered by the RoS Procurement Department. If you experience any difficulties in using the GPC, the RoS Card Controller should be contacted in the first instance.

Please ensure you read, understand and refer to these guidelines. They are available online and may be updated from time to time.

Failure by Cardholders, Card Officers, Card Controllers or Card Executives to adhere to the policy and procedures may result in withdrawal of their GPC facility. In addition, and as stated elsewhere in this Guide, disciplinary action may be taken in certain circumstances.