- Conference
- 2026 National Higher Education Conference
- Date
- 9 October 2025
- Decision
- Carried
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have changed, but have we? As we approach 2030 with the global goals of zero new HIV cases and zero stigma, we must ensure that no one affected by HIV is left behind in our universities or colleges, or their surrounding communities.
Conference notes that over 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. Medical advances – including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and the U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) message – mean HIV is now a preventable and treatable long-term condition for most people across the UK.
Despite this incredible scientific progress, stigma, discrimination and poor mental health outcomes remain widespread, including in our college and university communities.
Young people are a particular concern: a generation born with HIV are coming of age and transitioning from paediatric to adult services while entering further and higher education, and data show higher rates of late diagnosis and lower treatment coverage among 15- to 24-year-olds. These realities affect our members – UNISON workplace reps, professional services and support staff – and the students and communities our institutions serve.
Conference believes UNISON in Further Education (FE) and HE must lead workplace and campus action to tackle HIV stigma, protect members’ legal rights under the Equality Act, support reasonable adjustments and confidentiality, and strengthen partnerships with local sexual health and HIV services.
Conference commends UNISON’s Greater London Region LGBT+ Committee for launching the Unionising against HIV Stigma campaign in 2023. Since then, it developed an HIV in the Workplace model policy for National AIDS Trust and has helped shape the HIV Confident charter mark. But our work is far from over.
Conference recognises that HIV is an intersectional issue and that it thrives on marginalisation – whether through homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, ableism, misogyny, poverty, racism or xenophobia.
Our colleges and universities should adopt inclusive policies, provide staff training, and work with local NHS and community organisations to improve access to prevention, testing and culturally competent support.
Conference calls on the Higher Education Service Group Executive to work with the National Executive Council and other parts of the union as appropriate to:
1)Support with the rollout of the Unionising against HIV Stigma campaign across all regions, prioritising under-resourced and rural areas, and supporting branches to take local action;
2)Promote and support adoption of the National AIDS Trust and UNISON HIV in the Workplace model policy, and encourage employers (where appropriate and possible) to pursue HIV Confident charter mark accreditation;
3)Embed intersectional HIV awareness training across FE/HE, and work with Young Members and self-organised groups to reach younger and marginalised staff, as well as to support students transitioning from paediatric care;
4)Ensure guidance to support members living with HIV includes signposting to appropriate mental health support and peer-mentoring, as well as confidential occupational health;
5)Challenge myths and misinformation about HIV, including the idea that it only affects LGBT+ people.