Money
- Payment is an important recognition of the value of peoples' experience and time, and should be offered. People may also choose to take part as volunteers
- Your university may have guidelines about payment of fees, expenses, and costs such as cover for carers
- Check budgets with your module or programme leader
- People taking part will be on a variety of state benefits, pensions, and earnings. Benefits have different and changing rules about how much money people can earn, how many hours they can work, and restrictions on voluntary work or study. It may be advisable for the speaker to contact a welfare advice agency to check the implications of getting involved or getting paid fees and expenses. Don't try to give benefits advice yourself
- Actual travel expenses should be refunded on the day, so that nobody is out of pocket as a result of being involved. Ask people how they are likely to travel, estimate the likely costs, and request cash in good time – including small change!
- Before the session, agree whether payment is to be to an individual or to a group
- Let people know what information they might need to bring on the day, such as national insurance number, or send out some of the forms in advance
- Take claim forms with you on the day, and set aside time for people to fill them in, with assistance if necessary. They will need to sign for travel expenses, and give or show you any tickets they are claiming for
