Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists dysphagia/eating drinking and swallowing project

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Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists payment guidance for the dysphagia/eating drinking and swallowing guidance project

 

Why is the RCSLT involving service users in this work?

The RCSLT is proud of a profession that incorporates service user preference as a key part of evidence-based practice and service delivery. Service users have reported in various documents and at events that they value being involved with projects for a range of reasons, including, but not limited to a sense of purpose and achievement, building relationships, influencing services and work, opportunity to utilise existing skills, understand own healthcare needs, and increased confidence. Co-production with service users, their carers and families is a key aspiration of the RCSLT’s strategic vision 2022-2027.

 

Why does the RCSLT have payment guidance for this project?

The RCSLT recognises that working with service users is all about incorporating the perspectives of others and should incorporate working together as equals. Members of the public should be recognised for their time, skills and expertise and is it considered good practice for organisations to offer payment for involvement in research or projects (NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, 2021).

Payment supports equality through:

●      Valuing everyone’s time and expertise

●      Encouraging a broader range of people to join in who otherwise wouldn’t be able to join in (Co-production collective, 2020). 

 

How will service users be involved in the RCSLT guidance project?

Service users will be involved from the very beginning of the project and will utilise their lived experience to inform the group of the service user perspective. They will be recruited as members of the author group to co-produce the guidance.  This may involve:

○        discussing and agreeing the scope of the guidance

○        providing feedback during consultations – this will involve reading draft documents and providing comments

 

What is the time commitment for this project?

The project will involve approximately 34 hours of a service users time.  This time is spread between preparation for meetings e.g. reading and preparing comments on documents, and attending meeting.  The first meeting to decide the scope/content of the project will be hybrid i.e., there is the option to attend in person or to join online.  If attending in person this will be held at White Hart Yard, London, SE1 1NX.  All subsequent meetings will be held online via MS Teams.  All travel expenses will be reimbursed by RCSLT.  The project is expected to run over 12-14 months starting in October 2023.

 

Eligibility for payment

The NIHR defines the 'public' as patients, potential patients, carers, and people who use health and social care services as well as people from organisations that represent people who use services (NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, 2021).

 

What tasks can the RCSLT pay for in this project?

Providing feedback by email, in a virtual meeting or in person meeting, depending on preference. For any meetings that do take place in person, expenses will be covered by RCSLT.

 

Payment rates and reimbursement

What are the payment rates offered?

Payment will be based on NIHR guidance. Exact amounts will be confirmed by RCSLT ahead of each requested task, but the amount will be based upon a rate of £25 per hour. You may choose to decline payment or be offered payment at a lower level.  The maximum amount payable for the project is £850 per service user excluding travel.

 

Payment process and options

You will have the option of requesting a bank transfer or alternatively RCSLT can offer payment in the form of a voucher (Love2shop voucher).

The different options available are:

1. Invoice for bank transfer

You may choose to send RCSLT an invoice that includes information regarding your bank details. There is no set template but the invoice should include:

-          Your name

-          Reference to the RCSLT dysphagia/ EDS guidance project

-          The amount (to be confirmed by RCSLT in advance)

-          The date

-          Your bank details

-          Your address

-          RCSLT address (2-3 White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX)

1. Gift voucher

You should confirm with RCSLT if you would prefer to receive a physical voucher in the post or an e-gift card sent via email. 

 

Payment impact on pension or benefits

We recommend that you find out how payment might impact on your pension, benefits, or taxes. The NIHR provides further information.

 

Acknowledgements

This payment guidance has been adapted based upon guidance from the Co-Productive Collective and National Institute of Health Research.

 

Contact information

We are very happy to talk you through any of the information in this document and always welcome feedback and ideas for improvement. Please contact kathleen.graham@rcslt.org. If you think it would be beneficial to provide the document in a different format, please let us know. We are happy to provide it in a way that makes it easier for you to engage with.