HIV/AIDS Policy

 Happy Tails Rescue: HIV/AIDS work place policy 

Effective date: May 27,2025 

1. Policy Statement

Happy Tails Rescue is committed to fostering a supportive, non-discriminatory, and safe workplace 

for all employees, volunteers and beneficiaries. This policy outlines our approach to HIV/AIDS in the 

workplace, ensuring that individuals living with HIV/AIDS are treated with dignity, respect and 

equality, while upholding the rights and responsibilities of all members of our community. We 

recognize that HIV/AIDS is a public health issue that requires understanding, compassion and the 

elimination of stigma. 

2. Guiding Principles 

• Confidentiality: The NPO will maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding 

the HIV status of any individual.

• Education and Awareness: The NPO is committed to promoting accurate information 

about HIV/AIDS to reduce fear, prejudice, and misinformation. 

• Safety and Health: The NPO will ensure a safe working environment for all,

consistent with universal precautions and occupational health and safety guidelines. 

• Non-discrimination: No employee, volunteer, or applicant will be discriminated

against on the basis of their real or perceived HIV status.

• Support and Accommodation: The NPO will provide reasonable support and 

accommodation to employees and volunteers living with HIV/AIDS, enabling them to 

continue their work as long as they are able to perform their duties effectively =.

• Compliance with Legislation: This policy complies with all relevant South African 

labour laws and human rights legislation. 

3. Scope 

This policy applies to all employees (permanent, temporary, and contract), volunteers, board 

members, and interns of the Happy Tails Rescue. 

4. Employment and HIV/AIDS 

• Recruitment and Hiring: HIV testing will not be required as a condition of 

employment. 

• Continuance of employment: An employee’s HIV status will not be a cause for 

dismissal or denial of promotion. 

• Reasonable Accommodation: The NPO will explore reasonable accommodation for 

employees living with HIV/AIDS who may experience health challenges such as 

flexible working hours, modified duties or temporary leave.

• Sick leave and Benefits: Employees living with HIV/AIDS are entitled to the same sick 

leave, medical aid and other benefits as any other employee, in accordance with the 

NPO’s standard policies and relevant legislation. 

5. Confidentiality

• All information regarding an employee’s or volunteer’s HIV status is strictly 

confidential and will not be disclosed without their explicit written consent, unless 

required by law. 

• Individuals who handle sensitive medical information will be trained on the 

importance of confidentiality. 

• Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as serious misconduct and may result in 

disciplinary action. 

6. Occupational Health and Safety 

• First aid kits will be readily available and properly equipped.

• All employee’s and volunteer’s, especially those who may come into contact with 

bodily fluids (e.g., during animal handling or first aid) will be trained in and required 

to practice universal precautions to prevent the transmission of bloodborne 

pathogens. 

• In the event of accidental exposure, the NPO will follow established protocols for 

post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and provide necessary support. 

7. Support and Resources 

• Employees and volunteers are encouraged to seek support from management or HR 

if they have concerns related to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. 

• The NPO will provide information on available internal and external resources for 

employees and volunteers living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including counselling 

services, support groups and healthcare providers. 

8. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures 

• Any act of discrimination, harassment or stigmatization against an individual living 

with HIV/AIDS will be considered serious misconduct and will be subject to 

disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer 

service. 

9. Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years or as required by changes in legislation or best 

practices, to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. 

Acknowledgement 

By implementing this policy, the Happy Tails Rescue affirms its commitment to create an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment for all.