Payments

Why pay people to get involved in research?

Public contributors offer their independent views based on their lived experience to help inform, shape and challenge health and social care research.

It is accepted best practice to offer payment to public contributors for their involvement in research, so they are acknowledged and recognised for their time, experience and contribution.

If public contributors are not reimbursed, there is a risk that those who get involved are those who can afford the time and money to do so. This is opposed to inclusive practice and can mean that the involvement opportunities will not be taken up by key groups that should be benefiting from the research.

What to consider when paying public contributors?

Payments are an important aspect of planning public involvement. It is essential to offer a clear set of  principles and expectations on payment and expenses. This information should be provided upfront, before the involvement starts.

Members of the public might want to know, among others: what are they being offered, how they will be paid, how their involvement will be acknowledged, and what actions they need to take. Where possible, public contributors should be involved in developing the budgets.

At the same time, there are many practicalities to consider, not least your organisation’s existing policies and regulations related to benefits and taxes.

NIHR has created payment guidance to help researchers and public contributors navigate this. Take a look!