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RESPECT, SUPPORT, EDUCATE.
‘Over four-fifths (of the public) feel that people with HIV still frequently face negative judgement from others. Many express concern that people living with HIV are stigmatized by others. Only around a third of the public say they have sympathy for all people living with HIV.’
National AIDS Trust July 2021 ‘HIV: Public Knowledge and Attitudes’
Positive Allies is a free and unique Chartermark, the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
The Chartermark shows that your organisation is friendly towards, and inclusive of, people living with HIV and that you actively challenge HIV stigma. No matter the size, type or shape of your organisation, whether you have paid employees or volunteers, this Chartermark applies to you.
By gaining this Chartermark, your organisation is showing that it is HIV-friendly with an environmental ethos of tackling HIV-related stigma in all its forms.
The Positive Allies Chartermark was created and accredited by the University of Sunderland and launched in 2018 when Andrew Dalton’s research identified the levels of stigma that people living with HIV are facing in the workplace. The University continues to support the work of the Chartermark.
Whilst the Equality Act (2010) added further protections to those living with HIV, many employers are unaware that HIV is included within this legislation. The stigma that continues to be associated with HIV can have a major impact on the mental health of the person living with HIV, which may then, in turn, affect their work performance.
If you are a local, national, or transnational organisation, the Chartermark will signify to employees that you are an inclusive place to work. By gaining our free Positive Allies Chartermark, you are making a statement to not only your employees and volunteers, but you are showing the outside world that HIV stigma in employment is unacceptable and that your organisation values an inclusive ethos.
It is not a difficult or onerous process to apply for the Positive Allies Chartermark. After you have gathered your supporting evidence and documentation, apply for the Positive Allies Chartermark using the application form and provide available evidence to show how you have met each of the criteria.
"We can now demonstrate our commitment to staff or applicants who have HIV or AIDS."
"Positive Allies allows us to actively demonstrate our support for all."
"Positive Allies is a visible symbol of our commitment to all who volunteer with us."
"The process of adapting our policies was really beneficial to our workplace environment."
"My mental health was hard hit by my diagnosis and my line manager's questions."
"I left knowing that it was actually ok to share that information with people."
"There was no reaction. And that’s the way it should be."
"They gagged me. They stole my voice. They shut down access to that support I so needed."
"I've had a good experience, and I'm grateful that I work with some lovely people."
"After my last experience, I'm terrified of any employer finding out."
"The majority of my colleagues were young, HIV unaware, and didn’t understand the impact."
"I really couldn't fault the way my team and the team leader handled my diagnosis."
"I struggled with the diagnosis and kept the information only to core family and friends."
"I’ve always received full support around whatever reasonable adjustments I may require."
"Eventually they pushed me to the point where I had to quit."
"It was a very uncomfortable and anxious time until I could speak with the HR Director."
@PositiveAlliesRT @PositiveAllies: Ever more important to join Positive Allies! https://t.co/TVjm1OOYVF
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Mon Dec 06 15:01:34 +0000 2021
@PositiveAlliesEver more important to join Positive Allies! https://t.co/TVjm1OOYVF
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Mon Dec 06 15:01:34 +0000 2021
@PositiveAllieshttps://t.co/KjMopA75SK
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Fri Dec 03 19:07:10 +0000 2021
@PositiveAllieshttps://t.co/TVjm1OOYVF
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Fri Dec 03 19:06:40 +0000 2021
@PositiveAlliesRT @DrewDalton1980: Interview done with @bbcnewcastle to go out this morning, talking about #HIV stigma in #Employment and the importance o…
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Thu Dec 02 04:57:17 +0000 2021
@PositiveAlliesRT @NEEChamberArlen: Today is #WorldAIDSDay which @NEEChamber members @sunderlanduni are marking by announcing the relaunch of the @Positiv…
— Positive Allies (PositiveAllies) Thu Dec 02 04:57:00 +0000 2021
