We remunerate people for their involvement

We seek views and feedback from different groups to improve our care and to recognise the contribution people make and ensure everyone can take part, we offer payments for time and cover some expenses such as travel.

We want to make it easy for as many people as possible to get involved so that we understand the needs and views of our diverse population, including those from groups who often don’t have a voice in shaping public services. 

Removing the financial barriers to participation is vital to ensure people who want to share their experience or represent their communities are heard.

Who receives the payments? 

We offer remuneration to our patient voice partners. There are people who work with us to help make our services better. They can be a patient, carer, family member, or member of the public. Patient voice partners include lay partners and patient representatives that join our improvement projects, take part in a focus group or use their experience and knowledge to help us understand how to improve care. 

Please note Imperial Health Charity volunteers do not receive remuneration. 

Find out more about ways to get involved.

What activities are remunerated?

We have four main roles that patient voice partners can take part in. These roles have different levels of contribution and payment:

Role Example of activity Payment
 Respond or comment on a one-off activity  Completing an online survey, attending an annual general meeting, or completing a friends and family test  No payment
 Attend a one-off workshop or focus group  A community listening event or patient-led inspection At the London Living Wage rate (currently £13.85/hour)
 Regular working group member  Joining regular meetings, patient representative roles At the London Living Wage rate (currently £13.85/hour)
 Strategic role  Helping to lead and shape decisions, preparing for meetings (eg patient safety partner, maternity voice lead) £25/hour for up to 3 hours, £75 for up to 4 hours, or £150 for up to 8 hours

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to accept payment?

No, you can choose to opt out of payment if you want. 
 
How will I get paid?
 
For one-off activities, you can be paid in cash or vouchers. For longer roles, you’ll be set up on the Trust’s staff bank and paid via bank transfer.
 
Are payments treated as income? Will it affect benefits?
 
Yes, payments can be treated as income and may affect benefits, pensions, or tax. You should seek advice if you’re unsure.
 
Am I an employee of the Trust?
 
No, you are not an employee. You are a patient voice partner and your payments are treated as income for tax and national insurance.
 
Can I choose what I get paid for?
 
Yes, you can decide which payments you accept – for example, accepting travel expenses but not payment for attending a meeting.
 

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