While at the charity, Richard has steered important campaigns and lobbying efforts to make a real difference to the lives of people living with HIV. He played a key role in securing £20 million of new funding from Government for opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments and its further extension to 81 A&E departments. He has led on the work to successfully overturn discriminatory exclusions in blood donation for gay and bisexual men and those from the UK’s Black communities. He has also been central to the successful work to lift the ban on people living with HIV serving in the military, the ban on so-called ‘driving with AIDS’, and worked to get HIV policy commitments in each of the main political party’s manifestos in advance of this July’s general election.
Jonathan McShane, Chair of the Terrence Higgins Trust board of trustees said: “Richard has led from the front from his very first day at the charity. This recognition of the organisation’s work under his leadership is richly deserved and on behalf of the Board, I want to congratulate him on his efforts.”
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “It is the privilege of my life to lead Terrence Higgins Trust and work with such committed and passionate fellow members of staff, our fantastic volunteers and our Board. Together, we have achieved much to make life better for people living with HIV.
“There is much more to do though if we are to make good on our promise of ending new cases of HIV in this country by 2030. The founders of our charity – Rupert Whitaker OBE and Martyn Butler OBE – believe, as I do, that we cannot rest until we can tell HIV: time’s up.
“As I receive this award, I think not only of the work left yet to do, but the pressure on charities to deliver at such a difficult time. More than ever we can only do our crucial work because of our incredible supporters — the people who sell red ribbons, bake the cakes, run the marathons and donate their hard-earned cash. It is humbling and necessary at the same time – and I thank each of our supporters for their commitment. Thank you.
“Finally, taking inspiration from Terry Higgins’ inspiring story, I want to underline that Terrence Higgins Trust will never stop in our fight to end HIV. Any help people can give as we approach World AIDS Day 2024 on 1st December will make a difference. Please donate, here: https://www.tht.org.uk/support-us/world-aids-day?form=WAD24
About Richard:
Richard first became a charity trustee at just 18 years old, was chair of trustees for a £5 million turnover charity, and most recently was a trustee at Kaleidoscope Trust. Richard has been involved in fighting injustice and campaigning on community issues for more than two decades, from helping to get VAT removed from condoms to playing an active role in organising votes for the 2007 sexual orientation regulations.
Contact:
Paul Bates, Terrence Higgins Trust press office
