Recruitment: Lived Experience Representatives for Fast-Track Cities London Leadership Group

Are you someone with lived experience of HIV?

Fast-Track Cities London is recruiting to its Leadership Group. 
Read below to find out more about the Leadership Group and about the role to be one of two Lived Experience Representatives on the group.

 

I. Purpose

We are looking for two Lived Experience Representatives to join the Fast-Track Cities London Leadership Group. These representatives will bring first-hand perspectives as people living with HIV and work alongside existing voluntary and community sector representatives.

 

II. Background

• The HIV London Voluntary Sector Forum met on 20^th September 2024 to discuss increasing representation within the Fast-Track Cities Leadership Group.
• The leadership group has traditionally included representatives from the voluntary and community sector as well as a community representative. With our previous rep moving on to a new role it has now been agreed to recruit two representatives who have lived experience of HIV.
• These new representatives will ensure that the voices of people directly affected by HIV are central to discussions and decision-making.

 

III. The Role

What is the Fast Track Cities London Leadership Group?

The leadership group leads the Fast Track Cities initiative in London. It brings together the NHS, local and national government, commissioners, voluntary sector, and people living with HIV to improve HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

What will Lived Experience Representatives do? 

1. Advocate for the rights, needs, and priorities of people living with HIV in London.
2. Ensure that real-life experiences shape discussions and decisions in leadership group meetings.
3. Engage with HIV networks and support groups to gather insights and share information.
4. Work alongside VCS representatives to strengthen the voices of people with lived experience.
5. Communicate key decisions from leadership group back to the community.
6. Challenge stigma and discrimination by ensuring policies reflect the realities of people living with HIV.

 

IV. Person Specification.  Who should apply?

We are looking for people living with HIV who:

Essential Skills & Experience:

✔ Are comfortable sharing their lived experience to improve HIV policies and services.

✔ Live and access HIV care and treatment in London

✔ Are involved in HIV-related networks, support groups, advocacy, or community work.

✔ Can represent the needs of the wider community, beyond their own experiences.

✔ Feel confident speaking up in meetings and advocating for change.

✔ Are good listeners and clear communicators, ensuring diverse voices are represented.

✔ Are willing to challenge decisions constructively when necessary.

✔ Can work professionally and collaboratively with others, including health services and policymakers.

Desirable (but not essential) Skills & Experience:

✔ Experience in public speaking, leadership, or advocacy in the HIV sector.

✔ Understanding of how health and social care services work for people with HIV.

✔ Familiarity with London’s HIV policies and services.

✔ Experience working on boards, panels, or advisory groups.

 

V. Time Commitment & Other Considerations

 🔹 Representatives should be available on average for 1 day a month but could be up to 2 days per month maximum at busy times, which will include:

• Fast Track Cities Leadership Group meetings (including reading of reports in advance)
• Briefing & debriefing sessions with other representatives
• Community engagement and ambassador activities

🔹 The role requires a minimum commitment of two years, with an option to extend for one more year.

🔹 Some travel within London and the UK and possibly occasional international travel may be required.

Fee/Payment

Remuneration will be provided according to NHS England’s PPI policy, at a rate of £75 per half day or £150 per full day.

Diversity & Representation

 We want this role to be open and accessible to a diverse range of people. We strongly encourage applications from:

✅ People from ethnically diverse communities, especially those most affected by HIV.

✅ Women, trans, and non-binary individuals.

✅ People from key affected populations, including migrants, sex workers, people who use drugs, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

 

VI. Selection Process & Timeline.  How will representatives be selected?

A selection panel will choose the new representatives based on the criteria above. The panel will:

1. Review applications.
2. Meet to discuss candidates.
3. Try to agree together, but if needed, they will make a decision by vote.

 

How to apply

📌 To apply, send a one-page (A4) statement explaining how you meet the criteria.

📩 Send your application to rf-tr.londonftci@nhs.net by 18^th March.

We look forward to receiving applications and working together to ensure that the voices of people living with HIV are heard at the highest levels of decision-making in London.

 

What’s Next?

If you have any questions or want to talk about the role, please contact Garry Brough, who is one of the former Community Representatives and now part of the Fast-Track Cities London programme team at garry.brough1@nhs.net.