When relatives offer unpaid help with a closure

Describe the output you need and the information or access involved. A useful request might be to identify dates on a set of business photographs, with permission and guidance. "Come and clear the workshop" is too broad to assess.

Check whether the person has the competence, availability and authority required. Technical, lifting or disconnection work needs properly assessed arrangements and competent people. Do not use willing relatives as a substitute for that assessment.

The family role map can record practical support without implying decision-making powers.

Who explains the task, answers questions and checks the result? What should the helper do when they find something unexpected? Which areas or records are outside scope?

A fictional relative helps index old documents. They find employee information among equipment invoices. The agreed boundary should tell them to stop and refer the material to the authorised custodian, rather than copy it into a general shared folder.

The private-records review addresses that information boundary. The same principle applies to physical items whose ownership is unclear: note the question and refer it, rather than deciding informally.

A limited offer should not become an indefinite responsibility. Confirm the expected time and what happens to unfinished work. If the business begins relying on regular attendance or more substantial duties, seek advice on the actual arrangement instead of continuing to call it a favour.

Where someone may be alone at the premises, use competent assessment. HSE's lone-working guidance identifies the need for employers to manage those risks. A family member knowing the building does not answer the assessment questions.

The family contact guide helps organise offers and questions through one route. That contact should not approve work beyond their remit.

For the asset-disposal workstream, discuss scope and responsibilities with UK Auction Group. Explain what support the business has actually agreed and what remains for competent providers. Clear boundaries make family help useful without turning goodwill into an unexamined work arrangement.

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