Company Property Return Checklist for Local Government
A checklist for ensuring all council-owned property, equipment, and materials are returned by the departing employee in good condition.
Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.
Complete Checklist
- 1Review the employee's equipment issue record to identify all items assignedCritical
- 2Collect the council laptop or computer and verify its conditionCritical
- 3Collect the council mobile phone and SIM card
- 4Retrieve any tablets, portable drives, or peripherals issued
- 5Collect all access cards, security passes, and proximity fobsCritical
- 6Retrieve all office keys, cabinet keys, and vehicle keysCritical
- 7Collect uniforms, name badges, and branded materials
- 8Return any council credit cards and confirm accounts are closedCritical
- 9Collect any tools, equipment, or specialist items provided for the role
- 10Retrieve any council vehicles and conduct a condition inspection
- 11Collect any books, manuals, training materials, or reference documents
- 12Verify that all cloud storage and personal devices have been cleared of council dataCritical
- 13Record the condition of all returned items
- 14Update the asset register to reflect returned items and their disposition
- 15Obtain the employee's signature confirming all items have been returned
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we maintain an inventory of equipment issued to each employee?
Yes, maintaining a detailed inventory is essential. Record every item issued to an employee at the time of issue, including serial numbers, condition, and the date. Have the employee acknowledge receipt. This record makes the return process straightforward and provides evidence if any items are missing or damaged.
What should we do if an employee does not return council property?
Send a written request specifying the items to be returned and a reasonable deadline. If the employee does not comply, consider the cost and practicality of recovery. For high-value items, you may need to pursue legal action. Remote wipe any council data on unreturned devices. Note that you generally cannot deduct the cost from final pay without the employee's written consent.
How should council laptops be handled when returned by departing employees?
Back up any council data before wiping the device. Perform a factory reset to remove all personal and council data. Check the physical condition and log any damage. If the laptop is to be reissued, perform a fresh operating system install and update all software. Update the asset register with the new assignment or storage status.
Need help implementing these checks into your daily operations?
Our team can build custom checklists integrated into your daily operations workflow.