Impact Reports

EHSHCG Impact Report 2023/25

Driving Progress in HIV and Sexual Health: EHSHCG Launches New Impact Report

The English HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners’ Group (EHSHCG) has launched its latest Impact Report, highlighting 18 months of progress in championing high-quality, evidence-informed commissioning across England.

Since its formation, the EHSHCG has brought together local authority commissioners from across the country to collaborate, share best practice, and influence national strategy. This new report sets out the group’s achievements 2023 to 2025.

Commissioning at the Heart of Better Health Outcomes

HIV and sexual health services are a cornerstone of public health. Effective commissioning ensures that these services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of local communities. The EHSHCG exists to support commissioners in navigating complex and evolving challenges — from rising STI rates to changes in service delivery models — and to speak with a collective voice on issues that matter.

Over the past 18 months, the EHSHCG has made significant strides in three key areas:

1. Bringing commissioners together for professional development and learning
   The group has delivered an ambitious programme of learning and development, with over 200 professionals attending webinars, and our national conference. 99% of participants rated these opportunities as good or excellent — a testament to the value of peer support and shared learning in a specialist and sometimes isolated commissioning landscape.
2. Influencing national policy
   EHSHCG members have contributed to a range of national strategies and consultations, including the Women’s Health Strategy, the HIV Action Plan, and the development of the STI Prioritisation Framework. By ensuring that the voices of commissioners are heard at national level, the group has helped to shape more effective, equitable health policy.
3. Developing evidence-based policy and practice recommendations
   A central part of the EHSHCG’s work is producing high-quality insight reports and practical tools. Highlights include the PrEP Insight Report, which explores local implementation challenges and opportunities, and the Blueprint for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services, developed in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association for Directors of Public Health (ADPH). These resources support commissioners to improve services and drive innovation on the ground.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Future for Sexual Health Commissioning

As we look toward the next phase of public health reform — including the NHS’s forthcoming Ten Year Plan — the EHSHCG is more important than ever. Our priorities for 2025/26 include expanding our professional development offer, deepening collaboration across the sector, and continuing to advocate for a commissioning system that is well-resourced, joined up, and centred on population need.

The new Impact Report demonstrates what can be achieved when commissioners come together to learn, influence, and lead. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we’re committed to building on this foundation in the months ahead.

Thank you to the Association of Directors of Public Health for their continued support of the EHSHCG and to all our stakeholders for their support. We look forward to continuing to work together for improved HIV and sexual health outcomes across England.

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Previous reports

Our previous reports are also available