Our remit

HIV Scotland’s distinctive role as an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) is to –

• Operate nationally, supporting national strategies and linking to national bodies
• Represent the voluntary sector and act as the national body by bringing agencies together in support of information sharing, joint action, policy development, and best practice
• Deliver a strategic and professional contribution
• Focus on policy, capacity development, links to expertise, and provision of accurate information
• Identify gaps and need, and to advocate for and support, but not deliver, local services
• Maintain an overview of HIV-relevant knowledge, research and effective interventions
• Support the national HIV Action Plan and ensure communication, action and progress
• Advocate for people living with HIV, challenge stigma, and encourage engagement in planning and delivering equitable and quality services across Scotland

HIV Scotland maintains a number of priorities, including –

Prevention

Commitment to those most at risk of HIV distinguishes effective interventions. Prevention must be extensive, intensive and targetted. HIV Scotland therefore regards men who have sex with men (MSM) and Africans living in Scotland as key groups. At the same time, HIV Scotland is alert to the sexual health and HIV needs of heterosexuals and of injecting drug users. For each member of the HIV Scotland team, support for prevention across these groups is paramount.

Positive People

HIV Scotland engages people living with HIV in the design and delivery of health promotion resources, research, needs assessments, and development of national strategies and standards. HIV Scotland advocates for meaningful and productive representation and engagement at all levels.

Partnership

Through networking and more formal collaborations, partnership working is central to the fulfilment of HIV Scotland’s purpose. Everyone has a role to play in reducing stigma and promoting good health and wellbeing. We draw on and contribute to the expertise and direct knowledge of a wider range of individuals, groups and organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland. We seek to improve the HIV sector’s own contribution, share good practice and reduce duplication of effort. We strive to increase our partnership base with both statutory and voluntary sector agencies, as well as community groups, faith communities, researchers and the media.