Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, has been awarded an OBE for his services to charity, specifically in the HIV sector. Angell received the honour today at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, an award first announced earlier this year.
Angell has been at the forefront of charity work and advocacy for over two decades. Starting as a charity trustee at just 18, he went on to chair a £5 million turnover charity and served as a trustee at Kaleidoscope Trust. Angell has been actively involved in campaigns tackling injustice, from removing VAT on condoms to leading efforts on sexual orientation regulations.
Under Angell's leadership, Terrence Higgins Trust has spearheaded key campaigns to improve the lives of those living with HIV. Notable achievements include securing £20 million in government funding for opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments, expanding it to 81 A&E departments nationwide. Angell has also been instrumental in overturning discriminatory blood donation exclusions for gay and bisexual men, as well as individuals from Black communities in the UK. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in lifting the ban on people living with HIV serving in the military and removing restrictions related to ‘driving with AIDS’. His efforts to integrate HIV policies into the manifestos of major political parties ahead of the 2024 general election further highlighted his commitment to advancing HIV rights.
Jonathan McShane, Chair of the Terrence Higgins Trust board of trustees, praised Angell’s leadership: “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, reflecting on his award, expressed his pride in leading the charity: “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.”
Angell emphasised the ongoing fight to end new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030, a goal shared by the charity’s founders, Rupert Whitaker OBE and Martyn Butler OBE. “We cannot rest until we can tell HIV: time’s up,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the critical role of the charity’s supporters, whose contributions make the charity’s work possible: “More than ever, we can only do our crucial work because of our incredible supporters — the people who sell red ribbons, bake cakes, run marathons, and donate their hard-earned cash. It is humbling, and necessary, and I thank each of our supporters for their commitment.”
Angell closed by calling for continued support as the charity prepares for World AIDS Day on Sunday, 1 December 2024, urging donations to help advance the fight against HIV.
Kim Cockayne