Harm Reduction Monitoring of Self-Sourced Gender-Affirming Hormones in Sexual Health Services
The BASHH Gender & Sexual Minorities (GSM) Special Interest Group is seeking applications for a funded fellowship to support a national project exploring harm reduction approaches to monitoring self-sourced gender-affirming hormones (GAH) within sexual health services.
Background
Long waiting times for NHS gender identity services have led to increasing numbers of transgender and gender diverse people (TGD) obtaining gender-affirming hormones through self-sourcing. Sexual health services are increasingly being asked to provide blood monitoring, advice and harm reduction support for individuals accessing hormones outside formal pathways.
Despite growing demand, practice across the UK remains highly variable, with limited consensus regarding monitoring protocols, governance arrangements, commissioning, and service delivery models.
This fellowship offers an opportunity to contribute to an important and rapidly evolving area of sexual health practice while helping to develop practical resources that support equitable and evidence-informed care.
Fellowship Objectives
The fellow will work with Dr Kyle Ring (Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health, Barts Health NHS Trust) and the GSM SIG to:
- Map current practice across UK sexual health services regarding monitoring of self-sourced gender-affirming hormones.
- Review relevant UK and international guidance and evidence.
- Identify areas of variation, uncertainty and training need among clinicians.
- Support development of a pragmatic harm reduction monitoring framework suitable for sexual health settings.
- Explore commissioning and funding models that may support service development.
- Disseminate findings through BASHH educational and conference activities.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship is funded for one half-day session per week over 12 months. Funding is intended to support backfill arrangements within the successful applicant's employing organisation.
The fellow will be expected to work independently while receiving supervision and support from Dr Ring and members of the GSM SIG committee.
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from all BASHH members, including:
- Doctors in training
- SAS doctors
- Consultants
- Nurses
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners
- Health Advisers
- Other sexual health professionals with an interest in TGD health.
- A BASHH Member
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in sexual health, health inequalities, LGBTQ+ health, service development, research, education, or policy.
We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Lived experience of trans and gender diverse healthcare is not essential but would be considered an asset.
Expected Outputs
The fellowship is expected to generate:
- A national survey report describing current practice.
- A review of existing evidence and guidance.
- A draft harm reduction monitoring framework for sexual health services.
- Educational outputs for BASHH members.
- Presentation of findings at a BASHH conference and/or publication opportunities.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A brief statement outlining their interest in the fellowship and why you think it would be important to your career. Please also highlight any experience that you feel is relevant. (maximum 500 words)
- A short CV.
- Confirmation of support from their line manager and employing organisation.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals interested in advancing equitable care for TGD communities and helping shape future sexual health practice in this area.
The fellowship is expected to commence in early Autumn 2026.
To apply, please complete the form below. The deadline for applications is Friday 14th August 2026, 23:59.
Please contact andie.dyer@bashh.net if you have any difficulty completing this form.