Good practice and policy
Consider purpose, consistency, accessible information and the arrangements that need to be in place across a team or organisation.
Explore good practice →Develop a policy →
Practical resource
Payment and recognition for public involvement
Plan fair, transparent recognition for the time, knowledge and lived experience that people contribute to research.
Start here
Recognition should be planned, not added at the end
People who contribute to research bring time, skills and experience. A clear approach to payment and recognition helps teams value that contribution and lets people make informed choices about whether and how they can be involved.
This page brings together material for members of the public, researchers, research managers and organisations. Use it to consider payment, expenses, acknowledgements, support and the practical arrangements that make involvement possible.
Rules concerning tax, benefits and finance can change and can depend on an individual’s circumstances. Use the most up-to-date information available and seek appropriate independent professional advice where needed.
Resource guide
Find the right starting point
Use these routes to build a proportionate approach for your project, programme or organisation.
Budgeting and costs
Include involvement costs early so people can be reimbursed promptly and activities can be delivered in accessible ways.
Budget for involvement →Open the cost calculator →Information for contributors
Help people understand options, ask questions and decide what arrangements are right for their circumstances.
Read the public guide →Examples and reference material
Review practical resources and examples of approaches used when planning payment and recognition.
Browse payment resources →See policy examples →What to include
A well-prepared approach
Be clear about the role
Describe what contribution is being invited, how much time it may take and which decisions it may influence.
Plan costs early
Allow for payments, expenses, support needs, accessible formats and administration from the beginning.
Set out arrangements plainly
Give people clear written information and a named route for asking questions before work starts.
Learn from experience
Ask whether arrangements worked in practice and use that learning to improve future involvement.
How to use this guidance
Move from intention to practical support
Payment and recognition work best when they are part of a wider commitment to inclusive, well-supported involvement.
Identify the contribution
Consider the expertise, time and responsibilities involved in each role.
Choose suitable arrangements
Discuss payment, expenses and non-monetary recognition in a respectful, accessible way.
Check practical effects
Signpost people to current independent advice when tax or benefits may be relevant.
Record and improve
Keep arrangements transparent, respond promptly and review what could work better.
Detailed resources
Topics to explore
Good practice for recognition
Plan for involvement costs
Reference material and examples
Find current information
Common questions
Payment and recognition FAQ
Is payment the only way to recognise involvement?
No. Payment may be appropriate for many roles, while reimbursement of expenses, acknowledgement, training, support and feedback can also matter. The approach should be discussed clearly rather than assumed.
When should payment be discussed?
Discuss arrangements before someone commits to a role. This allows time to explain what is available, answer questions and consider whether the arrangements are workable.
What should be included in an involvement budget?
Consider fees or honoraria where appropriate, travel and other expenses, accessible materials, support needs, administration and the time required to coordinate involvement well.
Can payment affect tax or benefits?
It can depend on a person’s circumstances and on current rules. Share clear information, avoid making assumptions and encourage people to seek independent specialist advice where relevant.
How quickly should expenses be reimbursed?
Agree a clear process in advance and aim to reimburse reasonable expenses promptly. Delays can make involvement inaccessible for some people.
Why does recognition matter if someone declines payment?
Declining payment does not remove the need to value a contribution. Thank people, show how their input informed decisions and offer recognition that is meaningful to them.
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