Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill - Lived Experience Advisory Panel: recruitment information

Payment arrangements

Panel participants will be paid an allowance to enable the participation of a broad spectrum of people from different socio economic groups. Participants will act as volunteers and will not be paid for their time preparing for or attending the panel. They will not be employees of the Scottish Government or any related organisation in relation to their participation in the panel.

The Scottish Government values participation from across the socio-economic spectrum and seeks to reduce barriers to it. Payment of an allowance to enable people with lived experience to provide their contribution to informing policy and decision-making making sure that the widest possible range of people with lived experience can participate.

We recognise that different payment arrangements may have different tax and benefits implications for panel members. Accordingly, we will agree payment arrangements with each panel member on an individual basis to account for their specific circumstances.

Payment can either be in the form of vouchers or cash, depending on the individual circumstances and choices of the participant. Participants can also choose to refuse payment if, for example, they would otherwise lose their benefits.

We will provide a written participation agreement and, where relevant, a letter addressed to relevant welfare agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions. The participation agreement will ensure participants are aware of the choice of payment type and the potential impacts on benefits and taxes, and will signpost them to expert advice, e.g. Citizens Advice Scotland. The letter to welfare agencies will ensure that those agencies know that the participation is not employment and the reason for payment of an allowance.