Recognising and Rewarding Contributions in Public Involvement
Recognising and rewarding contributions in public involvement in health and social care
Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is a cornerstone of health and social care, enabling the design and delivery of services that truly reflect the needs of service users, carers, and the wider community. One of the most essential elements of PPIE is ensuring that contributions are valued through robust reward and recognition (R&R) practices.
At the heart of R&R is the principle of acknowledging the time, effort, and expertise shared by members of the public in improving research, service delivery, and evaluation. Here are key approaches to ensure effective reward and recognition:
Key approaches to reward and recognition
- Reimbursing expense: Participation should not come at a financial cost to individuals. Covering expenses like travel, accommodation, subsistence, childcare, or the cost of a personal assistant ensures that involvement is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
- Direct payment: Monetary recognition, transferred directly into a bank account, is a straightforward and transparent way to value contributions. It also respects the time and expertise participants bring to the table.
- Shopping vouchers: For those who prefer non-cash rewards, vouchers offer flexibility and can feel more personal.
- In-kind support: Offering opportunities for skill-building, training, or knowledge sharing demonstrates a commitment to mutual benefit. This approach fosters empowerment and professional growth among participants.
- Delivering workshops and supporting evaluations: Providing opportunities to lead workshops or support evaluation processes allows individuals to contribute meaningfully and see the direct impact of their work.
- Certificates and references: A formal acknowledgment, such as a certificate or professional reference, can be invaluable for individuals seeking to enhance their CVs or pursue career opportunities.
- Access to facilities: Offering access to facilities like libraries or collaborative spaces underlines the value of participants as integral partners in research and service development.
- Training opportunities: Creating pathways for participants to build their knowledge and skills ensures a long-term investment in their professional development.
- Honorary appointments: Formal titles, such as honorary roles, validate participants’ expertise and their critical role in shaping health and social care projects.
- Funding VCSE organisations: Recognising the role of Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations by providing payments can help facilitate public involvement more effectively, acknowledging their essential contributions.
Why R&R matters
Reward and recognition in PPIE is about more than financial compensation. It’s about fostering inclusivity, building trust, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. By adopting these practices, organisations can nurture genuine partnerships with the public, creating a culture of shared responsibility and mutual respect.
When we acknowledge and reward contributions meaningfully, we strengthen the bridge between researchers, service providers, and the communities they serve. Together, we can create systems that are not only inclusive but also more effective, equitable, and impactful.