DHIVERSE is pleased to work with organisations and companies on HIV/AIDS issues in implementing straightforward, cost-effective measures to address HIV issues that arise, to avoid disruption and support those who are living with or concerned about the virus and to ensure compliance with disability legislation and best practice.

Through the advent of improved treatments for HIV many people living with HIV are now able to return to work, or continue in work for longer. The Disability Discrimination Act, which includes HIV, now applies to all employers.

This project seeks to raise awareness amongst employers of HIV discrimination and the needs of HIV positive employees in the workplace.

In order to qualify for the DHIVERSE HIV Aware Employers Award, an organisation will demonstrate that the following stages have been achieved:

• That an HIV policy, produced in consultation DHIVERSE, has been developed and adopted. This will address issues of appropriate support, confidentiality and stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS
• That DHIVERSE is confident that the HIV policy has been implemented
• That a process is in place to ensure that the HIV policy is reviewed on a 3 year basis
• That all current members and employees have received a copy of the HIV policy
• That all current members and employees have been made aware of the purpose and content of the HIV policy
• That an appropriate strategy has been developed to ensure that induction programmes for members and employees contain a training element on HIV awareness and the purpose and content of the policy. DHIVERSE will be able to provide this training at a highly cost-effective rate.

If you wish to put your business forward for the Award please get in touch either via email or contact Anne Streather on 01223 508806.