Guidance on payment, reimbursement and recognition

Guidance on ways to pay, reimburse and recognise people with lived experience for sharing their time and expertise.
Seeking, listening to and acting on the voices of people with lived experience is critical to creating policies, programs and services that are safe, effective, connected, and person-centred for everybody, every time.

People with lived experience can help us learn how we can make our services better. 

There are many ways to thank people who share their lived experiences and knowledge. Every person with lived experience who shares with us can expect to get at least a thank you from us. 

Depending on your role and contribution, we may also:

  • pay you for your work
  • cover your expenses
  • thank you in another way. 

The Recognising the Expertise of People with Lived Experience guidance gives advice on how to pay, reimburse, and recognise in a fair and clear way.

This guidance is for use by department staff and may be useful for other organisations to use.

For further information or to provide feedback, please email ChildrenandFamiliesEngagement@dffh.vic.gov.au

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