November 2020.

In 2018, an estimated 103,800 people were living with HIV in the UK, (according to the Terrence Higgins Trust). Of those, 69% are men and 31% are women. Public Health England reports that Coventry has amongst the highest diagnosed HIV prevalence per 1,000 population aged 15-59 of that in 16 other similar local authorities. In the UK, HIV status is covered by the Equality Act 2010 (under the protected characteristic ‘Disability’).

Warwick has pledged a commitment to the Positive Allies charter, administered by the University of Sunderland. The charter is designed to help organisations demonstrate they are an HIV-friendly organisation with an environmental ethos of tackling HIV-related stigma in all its forms.

In November 2020, the University was successful in its application for Positive Allies accreditation at Level One, in reflection of work undertaken over the previous 12 months, including:

• Development of HIV Guidelines.
• Promotion of free online HIV and Aids Awareness training to all staff.
• Specific reference to HIV/AIDS in the Disability, Mental Health and Inclusion Policy.
• Promotion of World Aids Day in the December 2019 ED&I Newsletter.

Our commitments for the next 12 months are as follows:

• Continue to raise awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV.
• Encourage staff to declare disabilities to ensure adequate support is provided with referrals to Occupational Health where necessary.
• Encourage staff to complete My Adjustment PassportLink opens in a new window to facilitate a conversation with their line manager should they require any additional support or adjustments.
• Continue to encourage staff to complete the HIV and AIDS Awareness training.
• Challenge discrimination in recruitment, promotion and progression for people living with HIV.
• Ensure staff and students are aware of testing centres in Coventry and surrounding areas.
• Promote campaigns such as World Aids Day.
• Engage with local community groups and charities in Coventry and surrounding areas.

If you'd like to learn more about the University's work in this area, contact Claire Algar, ED&I Officer, on .