NAVCA have summarised a range of updates from GOV.UK that relates to volunteering during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It includes links to gov.uk guidance setting out how volunteering can be done safely during coronavirus is up to date with the current restrictions. For more on this head to guidance for volunteers or for organisations/groups which involve volunteers in their work. 

Twice-weekly testing offer

Everyone in England without symptoms can now take a free rapid coronavirus test twice a week.

If your workplace registered for rapid testing kits you can access tests through them.

In Salford you can also:

• Collect home test kits from Irlam, Eccles, Worsley & Pendlebury Leisure Centres any time Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
• Collect kits from rapid test centres - details of centres here https://bit.ly/3aBkOJs

Nationally:

• A new ‘Pharmacy Collect’ service is available in most pharmascies where people will be able to collect a box of 7 rapid tests to use twice a week at home.
• Home testing kits can be ordered online to be delivered directly to your home. Order via the gov.uk website.

Government advice is that people who need to leave the home to work or volunteer should be tested twice a week. 

Fundraising

Door-to-door, street and private site fundraising are now permitted to take place. The Fundraising Regulator and Chartered Institute of Fundraising have published new guidance on fundraising during the pandemic. 

Organised events guidance for local authorities

The Government has published organised events guidance for local authorities. This guidance is aimed at local authorities in England and is designed to assist them in ensuring that organised events are able to go ahead safely and in accordance with what is permitted at each step of the Roadmap. This guidance relates to restricted organised events, and sets out which of these events are permitted to take place at each step of the Roadmap (for example, volunteer social events). Group gatherings which are necessary for the purposes of delivering voluntary services will remain exempt from coronavirus restrictions throughout the steps of the Roadmap. This means people can meet in groups of any size, indoors or outdoors, while volunteering, and while undertaking activities necessary for their volunteering roles, for example recruitment and training activities. Organisations should ensure they follow working safely guidance while involving volunteers in their work. 

Updated guidance: civil society sectors and the EU

The government has published updates to its civil society sectors and the EU guidance. This includes a link through to guidance on how people can apply for the EU settlement scheme and a link through to guidance on the Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) which has replaced the Tier 5 visa.

ICO and ACAS guidance on testing

ACAS have published guidance on workplace testing, and the ICO have published a set of FAQs regarding data protection and testing.