Why Join SSHA?

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SSHA represents Sexual Health Advisers across the UK. We provide support, development and advocacy for your profession. SSHA members benefit from the Unite collective voice and resources, working to improve pay and conditions and improve our NHS.

Why Join SSHA?

The Society of Sexual Health Advisers (SSHA) is the professional organisation that represents Sexual Health Advisers (SHAs) across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It plays an important role in supporting, developing, and promoting the profession.

Five Great Reasons

1. Stronger Voice Together

Joining SSHA and Unite means your concerns are heard. A collective voice has far more influence than individuals speaking alone.

2. Better Pay and Conditions

Unions negotiate for fair wages, safe staffing levels, and improved working conditions—benefits that directly impact your day‑to‑day work.

3. Support When You Need It

Whether it is workplace issues, disputes, or career advice, you get access to trained reps and legal support so you are never facing challenges alone.

4. Protection at Work

Membership helps protect your rights, ensuring fair treatment, proper procedures, and representation in difficult situations.

5. Stronger NHS Workforce

By uniting colleagues, SSHA and Unite help build a more resilient, respected, and sustainable workforce for the future.

National Membership

A national membership organisation for Sexual Health Advisers, who work in:

  • STI prevention and management
  • HIV care and partner notification
  • Safeguarding and psychosocial support
  • Health promotion and education

It works closely with Unite the Union, meaning members benefit from both a professional body and trade union support.

SSHA provides access to:

  • Training sessions – SSHA has provided training on Motivational Interviewing and Vicarious Trauma
  • Workshops and Study Days – these have included Partner Notification and Complex Partner Notification
  • Annual Conferences – see our 2026 joint SSHA/BASHH Conference

SSHA is important because it:

  • Strengthens and unifies the profession
  • Improves standards of sexual health care
  • Supports Sexual Health Advisers both professionally and personally

SSHA acts as a collective voice for Sexual Health Advisers, influencing:

  • National policy
  • Service development
  • Standards of care

This ensures the role is recognised and valued within the NHS and related health care organisations.

SSHA is affiliated to UNITE the Union

A SSHA member is an UNITE member – see here for how to join UNITE:

Ensure that you state your profession as Sexual Health Adviser so you are assigned to the SSHA branch.

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Testimonials

Sexual Health Advisers give their thoughts on SSHA membership

“Being part of SSHA makes me feel that I am part of a supportive network. I work as a lone SHA in a clinic and I sometimes feel quite isolated. Knowing I am part of SSHA means that there is always someone that I can contact with queries or concerns really helps me feel part of my profession.”
“I like that I am part of SSHA and UNITE as this gives me safety within my job. When I had issues last year with my job description and role being changed without discussion, I had somewhere I could go for advice and support. SSHA and UNITE ensured that my voice was heard and that my rights were recognised.”
“I feel that SSHA try to ensure that the role of Sexual Health Advisers is recognised and that we have a platform to be heard. It’s great to go to the SSHA Conference and BASHH Conference and see SHAs presenting sessions and posters.”
“It feels like Sexual Health Advisers are having a hard time currently, as lots of jobs are being cut, or merged in with nurse roles. Being a SSHA member means that we are part of bigger picture and that we still have a hugely important role to play in the MDT. SSHA fights for Sexual Health Advisers, and we need this now more than ever!”

Joining SSHA - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about joining SSHA

By joining SSHA, you become part of Unite, Britain’s largest union representing around 2 million skilled and professional workers. Unite provides advice, guidance, and representation in all aspects of your working life, including negotiating employment conditions and supporting your career development.

SSHA brings together around 200 Sexual Health Advisers. As a strong collective voice, members can influence the direction of the profession at clinic, regional, and national levels, while also accessing training, workshops, and conferences.

Members receive access to the latest research, policy updates, and clinical guidance, ensuring they provide accurate, evidence-based advice and care to patients. They also receive the SSHA Newsletter three times a year, full of interesting articles and innovative and challenging ideas.

Yes. Membership offers valuable networking opportunities, connecting you with sexual health professionals across the UK to share experiences, knowledge, and best practice.

Yes. Many regions host regular SSHA meetings, helping reduce professional isolation and offering opportunities to hear from guest speakers and discuss current topics in sexual health. Check out your regional SSHA rep National Organising Professional Committee

Membership includes Unite’s Contingent Medical Malpractice Cover (CMM), providing protection if a claim is made against you in relation to your professional duties.

The annual conference is a key professional event, featuring presentations (often led by Sexual Health Advisers) and workshops on topics relevant to the role. It is an excellent opportunity for learning and networking. See SSHA Conference – Society of Sexual Health Advisers SSHA members get a discounted rate.