Compensation policy
Policy Control
Control information |
Control detail |
|---|---|
| Reference number | CS/HM/001/2012 |
| Version number | 6.0 |
| Audience | Public-facing |
| Effective date | 01 July 2026 |
| Review frequency | 3 years |
| Next review date | 01 April 2029 |
| Sponsor | Chief Governance Officer |
| Owner | Head of Complaints & Improvement |
| Author | Head of Complaints & Improvement |
| Consulted stakeholders | • Customer Services Leadership Team • Resident Engagement Panel |
| Approving body | Chief Governance Officer |
| Approval date | 20 May 2026 |
| Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) completion date | October 2024 |
| Applicable Curo strategic objective(s) | ☒ Quality Homes ☐ Purposeful Culture ☒ Trusted Customer Services ☐ Collaboration and Growth ☐ Solid Foundations |
| Applicable legislation, regulations or external standards |
• Housing Ombudsman Compensation Guidance |
| Related internal resources |
• Compensation Procedure • Complaints Policy |
Contents |
|---|
| 1. Policy Statement and Aims |
| 2. Definitions |
| 3. Scope |
| 4. Roles and Responsibilities |
| 5. Principles |
| 6. Application |
| 7. Reasonable Adjustments |
| 8. Equality Impact Assessment |
| Version Control |
1. Policy Statement and Aims
1.1. One of our main strategic priorities is Trusted Customer Services.
This focuses on delivering high-quality, reliable services that meet
the needs of our customers and communities.
1.2. Where failures in service have caused dissatisfaction or loss to a
customer, we will consider whether compensation is appropriate.
1.3. The accompanying procedure document outlines how we calculate compensation to maintain fairness and consistency. We recognise
though that each case should be considered on its own merits. In
agreeing a suitable remedy, we may apply discretion to ensure an
offer of compensation is fair given the customer’s circumstances.
1.4. We will also ensure that appropriate policies and procedures deal with compensation which arises from legal liability, statute or regulation.
2. Definitions
2.1. Mandatory – Compensation that must be paid because it is
required by policy, regulation or law.
2.2. Quantifiable – Compensation that can be objectively calculated
because the loss is financial and measurable. This would be directly
linked to a loss that can be proven and calculated on an exact
amount.
2.3. Discretionary – Compensation that may be paid by way of apology where a failure of service has been identified. This is to recognise distress and inconvenience or time and trouble.
3. Scope
3.1. This policy applies to all organisations in the Curo Group, with the
exception of Curo Enterprise Ltd and Curo Market Rented Services
Ltd
3.2. Curo has liability insurance for claims of personal injury or significant damage. This policy is designed to effectively deal with small claims for compensation caused by failure to meet our service standards.
3.3 This policy should be read in conjunction with our complaints policy.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1. The Board and Executive, through the Policy Owner, make sure that the policy delivers Curo’s strategic objectives and reflects corporate values.
4.2. The Head of Complaints and Improvement, as accountable lead for the policy, is responsible for ensuring that the principles of the policy are delivered through appropriate procedures within Curo.
4.3. All Curo colleagues have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with this policy, follow it and ensure any member of staff who reports to them also does.
5. Principles
5.1. We are committed to the provision of high-quality services to our
customers.
5.2. When we have failed to deliver services, we will consider suitable
remedy for the customer, given the impact on them and their
individual circumstances.
5.3. In some instances, we may determine it is appropriate to offer the
customer compensation, with the aim of restoring them to the
position they were in before the service failure occurred.
5.4. Compensation will be proportionate to the severity of the service
failure and its impact on the customer with due regard to their
individual circumstances. We recognise that impact may be worsened
if the customer is a disabled person, is vulnerable, elderly or has
young children.
5.5. The impact on the customer may be non-financial such as distress and inconvenience or time and trouble.
5.6. Compensation will take into account the complainant’s own actions and those of anyone acting on their behalf as a third party.
5.7. Compensation will take into account the actions of third parties acting on our behalf, such as contractors.
5.8. We will monitor and review complaints and compensation payments to learn from them and improve services.
5.9. Any compensation offered under this policy does not constitute an
admission of liability.
6. Application
6.1. How we assess and calculate compensation is detailed in the
supporting procedure.
6.2. Curo will only pay compensation for damage to property where that damage is a clear consequence of a service failure and where we
have evidence of the damage. We will request evidence of damage in the form of photographs, a home visit from a Curo colleague to
assess the extent of damage or proof of purchase to help determine
the appropriate level of compensation due.
6.3. When determining the appropriate level of compensation for
damaged property, we will consider the property’s depreciated value.
6.4. If the customer’s claim for damages exceeds our insurance premium, we will redirect the claim to our liability insurance.
6.5. Where a service failure sits with a contractor or other
representative acting on our behalf, we will seek to resolve the
matter directly with our customer and our procedures will provide
for the recovery of payments from contractors, where that is
appropriate.
6.6. In certain instances, Curo will not pay compensation under this
policy. These include but are not limited to:
- When a customer has experienced a loss of earnings.
- When we have not been provided with notice of the issue and reasonable opportunity to respond in line with our service standards.
- When the loss or damage is caused through fault of the customer.
- When the loss or damage is caused by an alteration or repair to the property which the customer has carried out or arranged themselves without having first gained permission from us.
- When the loss or damage is caused by a third party who is not acting on our behalf, such as a visitor or a contractor the customer has employed. This extends to any damage arising from private arrangements customers have made with one of our contractors.
- When the loss or damage is the fault of another customer or neighbouring occupier.
- When Curo colleagues or contractors cannot gain access to a customer’s home for an agreed appointment.
- When Curo colleagues or contractors cannot get spare parts, have kept the customer informed and made any appropriate temporary arrangements.
- When extra unforeseen works are required and Curo colleagues or contractors have kept the customer informed and made any appropriate temporary arrangements.
- When the service or facility is unavailable because of vandalism, severe weather conditions, force majeure or other actions outside of Curo’s control.
- When the customer has not provided sufficient evidence to support a claim of financial loss or damages.
- When we have made reasonable alternative arrangements (e.g. to cover for an interrupted service).
- When the matter is the subject of an ongoing or settled insurance claim for personal injury or liability against any member of the Curo Group.
6.7. Compensation payments will be approved in accordance with Curo standing orders.
6.8. This policy does not affect the rights to compensation granted to
tenants via the provisions of their tenancy agreement.
6.9. Any award of compensation under this policy is considered an ex
gratia payment and will be regarded as granted in full and final
settlement of any claim.
7. Reasonable Adjustments
7.1. Colleagues are empowered to make reasonable adjustments based on individual customer needs ensuring equal access to services.
7.2. Colleagues are encouraged to assess each situation thoughtfully and make adjustments where appropriate, considering factors such as
accessibility, medical or specific requirements.
7.3. These adjustments should be made in a way that meets statutory
and regulatory requirements, maintains a high standard of service,
and supports customers in a fair and respectful manner.
8. Equality Impact Assessment
8.1. An Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken for this policy in
October 2024. During the process insights were gathered from data
analysis and relevant customer-colleague consultation.
8.2. Some positive impacts were identified and the have been recorded to enable the sharing of best practice across the organisation.
Version Control
Version number |
Update type |
Update Summary |
Updated by |
Update date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Full review | • First version created • Updated Group policy |
December 2012 | |
| 2.0 | Full review | • Policy Review • Confirming relevance and accuracy of existing content |
February 2016 | |
| 3.0 | Full review | • Policy Review • Confirming relevance and accuracy of existing content, including the methods in which we communicate with customers. |
Customer Service Manager |
October 2022 |
| 4.0 | Full review | • Policy Review • Focus on aligning our approach with Housing Ombudsman guidance and complaint handling code. |
Customer Resolution Manager |
June 2024 |
| 5.0 | Interim update | • Amendments accounting for reasonable adjustments for customers |
Head of Complaints & Improvement |
September 2025 |
| 6.0 | Full review | • Policy Review • Aligning policy with updated compensation guidance from the Housing Ombudsman. |
Head of Complaints & Improvement |
April 2026 |