It is good practice to have a clear policy on payment and recognition in place prior to involvement, so that members of the public know in advance what is being offered and are able to make an informed decision about getting involved. However, policies do not need to be long or complex documents. They should explain, in plain English, what those involved should expect before, during and after their involvement, and the processes for claiming payment and expenses during that period. Some organisations prefer to separate their payments policy from their expenses policy.
A good payment and recognition policy: