Rewards and recognition
Some people are happy to give their time and energies free of charge, often in order to ‘give something back’. However, anyone contributing to our educational activities appreciates being thanked and recognition can be made through ‘payment in kind’ such as being invited to attend School seminars, lectures and other events, and being given certificates recognising their contribution.
But most often we should pay people for their time and expertise just as we and our colleagues are paid. Plus, we will often be involving people who, because of their illness or disabilities, are on a low income. Having to travel in London, perhaps buy a drink and a meal will put them out of pocket. For some, what may seem like relatively small amounts of money to us, can be enough to cause difficulties, embarrassment or prevent them taking part. So, wherever possible, we should pay people for their involvement.
Where people are being paid, users and carers who are working on committees, recruitment or teaching should be paid as guest speakers, and the module leader should explain that payment includes time for preparation and travel costs.
The School of Health Sciences has a budget for paying users and carers involved in educational activities, which is held by Martin Steggall. Below is a step-by-step guide to arranging payment.
The organiser should provide the necessary forms (see below) and explain how the claim for payment will be processed (and the time it takes); and check whether the user/carer faces any complications concerning payment (e.g. with benefits) and help explore possible solutions. Payment can ONLY be made into a bank account via BACS. Cash payments are not possible.
Guidance on covering expenses, payment for time, skills and expertise, and issues you need to be aware of when making payment can be explored in more detail in this document produced by INVOLVE for researchers:
http://www.invo.org.uk/posttypepublication/payment-for-involvement/
School of Health Sciences Payment for User and Carer involvement: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Discuss and agree the level of payment with the service user, in line with School policy.
2. Complete the Miscellaneous Payment Form. When completing the form please ensure all fields are completed accurately paying particular care to the payee’s bank details.
3. The following codes need to be used:
i. Cost Element 6111 (Guest Speakers -For individuals delivering a talk on fewer than 3 occasions in any 13 week period)
ii. Cost Centre HU005
4. Obtain initial signed approval from the Programme Lead, then submit to Martin Steggall M.J.Steggall@city.ac.uk and copy to Sharan Sumal Sharan.Sumal.1@city.ac.uk
Getting users and carers involved