FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Sodexo has become the sole provider of assisted Covid-19 testing at regional test sites as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme.
This means it will now provide assisted testing services across 60 Regional Testing Sites (RTS) throughout England and Scotland after a successful call-off competition against the new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Assisted Testing Framework.
The news follows Sodexo becoming the largest service management provider of Covid-19 testing centres across the UK after being awarded an extended contract.
Assisted testers are based at 60 Regional testing sites in England and Scotland and are available for anyone unable to carry out their own swab test or needing support, including people from vulnerable groups and those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
In recent months, Sodexo teams have also provided assisted testing services at the G7 summit in Cornwall as well as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Tramlines Festival in Sheffield.
Both festivals formed part of the government’s Events Research Programme – a pioneering study into opening up major events in a Covid safe way during the summer.
Neal Gisborne, Division Managing Director for Sodexo’s Covid-19 testing services, said: “Our assisted testing service is an important part of our UK-wide Covid-19 testing service.
“I am really proud of the work we have done helping the government provide the response to the pandemic and it is a credit to our entire service that the UKHSA has awarded us this, making us the sole provider of assisted testers on the UK’s Test and Trace programme. It also highlights the fact that they value the important contribution we provide.”
Recruiting for soft FM services is proving more difficult in the post-Covid workplace. So, what can FMs do to overcome this?
Sara Bean, Editor of FMJ, and Jess Pritchard, Head of Corporate Sector at Moneypenny are joined by panellists:
- Mark Whittaker, General Manager, Thomson FM & Chair of IWFM
- Ian Wright, Soft Services Manager, University College London
- David Bauld, Group Facilities Manager, Paradigm Housing
- Nicola Lathbury, Managing Director, Hexagon FM
Together they will discuss the current skills shortage in a number of FM areas, ways to keep staff engaged in their job through brilliant culture, and how outsourcing could be a solution to the recruitment issue. Secure your place now for Thursday, 25th November at 11am.
To register click here.
