Seems the charity couldn't get to grips with ongoing governance problems

A prominent Scots health charity has closed its doors blaming “significant governance challenges” as well as problems with funding.

HIV Scotland, which was formed in 1994 in Edinburgh, became one of the leading camapigners for the cause, championing the rights of people with HIV and Aids over decades.

The charity said “a number of significant challenges”, including the resignations of board members, meant it had to be closed.

It said those in charge had been “unable to identify a unifying solution that would allow the charity to resume functionality”.

A statement on the charity’s website said it has been operating within “a complex and challenging environment” and referred to significant changes in governance as well as a “precarious funding climate”.

The statement from the board said: “For almost 30 years, HIV Scotland has supported thousands of people to live with HIV and thrive.

“Our teams have worked on behalf of all those living with, and at risk of, HIV to ensure that Scotland has responsive policies, quality services, and a supportive environment that enable our community to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

“However, due to a number of significant challenges, the board has taken the incredibly difficult decision to wind-up the charity.

“We want to thank all staff, volunteers and communities who have supported HIV Scotland since groups first came together in 1994 to support each other.

“We are proud of our achievements and legacy of work to improve the lives of those living with, or at risk of HIV, as we all look toward a Scotland where we can eliminate HIV transmission by 2030.”

Former research and policy officer Lewis Clarke tweeted that he and his team ‘fought really hard to maintain some semblance of functionality these past few months erring to a lot of turbulence’.

The charity had been threatened with closure once before — in 2018 — but was saved that time following a Scottish Government funding U-turn. HIV Scotland feared it would have to shut after losing out on Scottish Government cash earlier in the year, forcing staff lay offs.

Then the Scottish Government offered the charity £231,000 over three years to keep its doors open. It had previously received around £270,000 a year from the Scottish Government before losing out in its bid in the latest funding round.