Contributor Support Charter

The National Lived Experience Commission operates on the principle that lived experience is specialised intelligence. When an individual provides their expertise for systemic reform, that contribution must be ethically managed, appropriately supported, and fairly remunerated when commissioned.

1. Informed Participation

Contributors will be given clear, accurate information about the purpose, audience, and potential impact of any engagement before agreeing to participate. We do not use deceptive recruitment practices.

2. Control and Boundaries

Contributors retain the right to set boundaries on what they discuss. You will never be forced to share traumatic details to validate your expertise. You can withdraw from an engagement at any time without penalty.

3. Safety and Accessibility

We commit to accommodating reasonable access, cultural, and communication needs. NLEC is trauma-aware in its operational design, though it is not a crisis or clinical service.

4. Attribution Choice

Contributors have the right to choose how they are recognised — fully named, partially de-identified (e.g., first name and state), acknowledged via an organisation, or kept entirely private.

5. Fair Recognition

When NLEC commissions contributors for targeted evidence collection, roundtables, or advisory work, they are paid. NLEC adheres to national best-practice remuneration standards.

• Remuneration is agreed for each commissioned engagement.
• Terms reflect the complexity, preparation required, and nature of the engagement.
• Out-of-pocket expenses (such as travel) are covered when pre-approved.
• Registering as a contributor does not guarantee payment; payment applies to commissioned engagements.

6. No Tokenism

We reject "tick-a-box" consultation. We gather lived experience intelligence to build rigorous evidence, not to rubber-stamp pre-determined government policies.

7. Feedback Loop

Contributors have a right to know what happens to their input. We commit to closing the loop by providing updates on reports, submissions, and reform outcomes resulting from their contributions.

8. Data Stewardship

Contributor data is held securely and used only for NLEC's public-interest charitable purposes. We do not sell data to third parties.

9. Right to Raise Concerns

Contributors can safely raise concerns about the conduct of engagements without fear of being blacklisted from future opportunities.