This type of testing is separate from the NHS Test and Trace programme which is for those people who display symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been advised to take a test by a medical practitioner or public service.
Some employers and third-party healthcare providers may want to introduce their own internal testing programmes outside of NHS Test and Trace. This guidance helps employers ensure that their testing programmes are as reliable and effective as possible. The guidance can be accessed here.
Previously we reported on how local community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms. In that article we explained how frontline line workers who could not work from home could access this testing programme locally. The article can be accessed here: https://valonline.org.uk/local-community-asymptomatic-testing-programme/
We now have some additional information provided by the Volunteering team at Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to VAL via NCVO.
Employers can register to order free coronavirus free rapid lateral flow tests for their employees and volunteers who cannot work from home if:
- Their business or organisation is registered in England
- Their business or organisation employs 50 people or more (includes volunteers)
- Their business or organisation’s employees cannot work from home
Any eligible employer (including a charity or voluntary organisation) which has a Companies House registration number can register on GOV.UK to get the forms they need to order these tests for their employees.
Charities and voluntary organisations which do not hold a Companies House registration number will be unable to register online via GOV.UK to receive these tests as the system will only accept 8 digit business registration numbers.
To sign up, these organisations need to provide specific information via email to p-and-psector@dhsc.gov.uk with the email subject “National Workplace Testing – Charity”
Thereafter a team at DHSC will complete the validation process on their behalf.
The details needed are :
- Company name
- Charity number
- Number of employees
- Industry / sector
- Email contact
Local VCSE organisations may find it useful to read through these options to see what is relevant for their workforce and volunteers.