One Voice Network launches Voices Like Mine: HIV Patient Charter

One Voice Network  launched the Voices Like Mine: HIV Patient Charter, a new resource designed to empower, protect and listen to Black voices in HIV care.

What the Charter sets out

The Charter sets out what Black people living with HIV should expect from health and care services, particularly in primary care. It affirms the right to respectful, confidential, culturally competent and stigma-free care, while also giving professionals a practical framework to improve patient experience and strengthen trust.

Why it matters

People from Black communities continue to face disproportionate barriers in HIV prevention, treatment and care.

The need for the Charter is strongly reflected in the Unheard Voices report, published by One Voice Network and National AIDS Trust. The report highlighted the importance of meaningful community involvement in HIV commissioning and service design.

It also showed that services are more likely to meet the needs of Black African and Caribbean communities when those communities are involved from the beginning, rather than consulted only after decisions have already been made.

Eight expectations for better care

Developed through engagement with clinicians and community representatives, the Charter responds directly to these issues by setting out eight key expectations:

• Respect and dignity

• Culturally competent care

• Equitable access

• Confidentiality and safety

• Clear and relevant information

• Stigma-free services

• Inclusion in decisions

• Support for the whole person.

What this means for patients

The Charter gives patients information about the level of care they should expect and provides guidance on what to do when care falls short, including how to raise concerns, give feedback or make a complaint.  

It encourages patients to encourage their GP practice to participate in initiatives to tackle HIV stigma such as  HIV Confident.  

How professionals can use the Charter

For professionals, the Charter is both a patient rights resource and a quality improvement tool.

• Primary care teams can use it in staff training, induction, reception team briefings and discussions about confidentiality, stigma and culturally competent practice.

• Commissioners can use it to inform service specifications, patient experience measures and community engagement processes.

• HIV and community organisations can use it to support advocacy, signposting and conversations about rights.

Looking ahead

Ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 will require more than testing and treatment. It will require trust, accountability, inclusive services and meaningful partnership with communities most affected by HIV.

The Voices Like Mine: HIV Patient Charter is an important step towards that goal.

Download the Charter

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