The Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, Nick Partridge OBE, will be awarded an honorary degree by Keele University today.  He will be awarded the Doctor of Letters in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the public understanding of HIV and AIDS.

Nick originally attended Keele University from 1974 to 1978 and studied International Relations, which brought together his interests in history, politics, law and psychology. The University has invited him back to accept the award in a ceremony taking place in the University’s chapel. He is one of just four people being awarded an honorary degree from Keele this year.

Nick applied for, and got, one of the first two jobs advertised by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in 1985.  In the early days of the epidemic he encountered the kind of prejudice and ignorance which he has spent his career combating, including abusive phone calls and death threats.  He also acted as a spokesman in the early days, presenting a professional and measured voice among the hysteria. Nick has been a consistent, considered voice in the media coverage of HIV and sexual health ever since. 

Nick was appointed THTs Chief Executive in 1991.  He has seen many changes in the sector over the years and has worked on everything from health promotion, social care and advocacy to research and treatment issues.  He was on the board of the early clinical trials into HIV medication and is now Chair of INVOLVE, an advisory group promoting public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research.

Nick said “The education and experience I got at Keele was invaluable when I moved into my career in the HIV sector. I’m honoured to be invited back in recognition of the work I’ve done since.  I’m passionate about working in this sector and it’s fantastic to be recognised for doing a job that I love.”

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across England, Wales and Scotland.  The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual ill health.

• Keele University is best known for its distinctive dual honours subject combinations and the pioneering approach it took to Higher Education as the first of the post-war universities. Established in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire it obtained independent university status in 1962. Keele was founded to promote an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to scholarship by emphasising the strength of a broad education programme.