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 and the Card Controller. 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 request for a card should be submitted to the Card Controller in the form of an email. This should be sent by the proposed Card Officer and the email should CC in the proposed Cardholder. Once this email has been sent and approved the Card Controller will send the Cardholder the application form which must be completed and returned which enables the application process to begin. Once RBS process the request and process the application, the cardholder should email the Card Controller to confirm receipt of the card. Once this has happened a link to this guide will be sent to the Cardholder and the Card Officer.

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 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 or Card Controllers 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.

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