Enhancing Engagement in Health Services Research
At the Health Services Research Lab, we are committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with individuals who bring lived experience, community perspectives, and valuable expertise to our research. To strengthen this commitment, we have introduced a Charter of Engagement, updated Compensation Policies, and refined our Code of Conduct to ensure clarity, transparency, and inclusivity.
Key Updates and Initiatives
1. Charter of Engagement: A Commitment to Respect and Inclusion
Our newly established Charter of Engagement outlines what partners can expect from us, including:
✅ Respect for their time, knowledge, and lived experiences
✅ Accessible and flexible meeting arrangements
✅ Training, support, and confidentiality assurances
In return, we ask partners to uphold principles of active participation, respect for diverse perspectives, and transparency regarding conflicts of interest.
2. Transparent Compensation for Partners in Research
To recognize the valuable contributions of research partners, our Compensation Policy offers:
💰 Fixed Service Income: Paid hourly or daily for ongoing contributions
🎁 Honoraria: One-time payments for specific activities
💳 Flexible Payment Options: Cash, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or gift cards
Partners can now track their contributions using the Partner Activity Log Form, ensuring timely and accurate compensation every quarter.
3. Code of Conduct for Inclusive and Efficient Meetings
To create a respectful and productive environment, our HSR Lab Code of Conduct emphasizes:
🔹 Advanced agenda distribution for well-prepared discussions
🔹 Encouragement of active participation while respecting speaking order
🔹 Clear meeting roles (host, facilitator, guest) to ensure smooth discussions
🔹 Technical best practices for virtual meetings, including microphone muting and chat engagement.
4. Recognizing a Range of Partner Contributions
Partners participate in a variety of activities, from grant proposal reviews to advisory roles and public engagement events. Compensation rates have been standardized, including:
📌 $28/hour for general contributions
📌 $50/hour for leadership roles
📌 $100 per presentation
📌 $200–$400 per full-day engagement for Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Looking Ahead: A More Equitable and Engaging Research Process
These policies and procedures represent an important step toward making research more collaborative, transparent, and inclusive. By ensuring fair compensation, clear expectations, and respectful engagement, we are committed to fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance the impact of health services research.
