Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
While we welcome NHST&T’s increasing collaboration with local authorities, we see a need for it...
Conclusion
While we welcome NHST&T’s increasing collaboration with local authorities, we see a need for it to expand its collaboration with a range of other sectors, reflecting the wider scope of the roll-out of rapid testing. In our local constituencies, we heard of lack of engagement with school heads in the roll-out of mass testing for schools, although NHST&T told us there were joint working teams with the Department for Education for activity within schools and universities.74 We also remain concerned at the lack of clinical public health expertise at senior levels within NHST&T.75 Without cross-working processes at different levels, linking well to regions and local areas, and rooted in sound clinical and practical public health considerations, it will be difficult to develop effective collaborations across different sectors on a consistent basis. NHST&T is not just a large- scale customer service organisation; it is a vital public health intervention. The National Institute for Health Protection and long-term strategy
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.2 The department agree with the committee that NHST&T cannot support citizens and businesses unaided. It is only by working across local and national partners in government, and in critical sectors, that we will break the chains of transmission. 5.3 Since the NAO’s report in December 2020 on the Government’s approach to test and trace in England was produced, NHST&T has significantly extended engagement with partners, especially local authorities. Local communities are at the heart of breaking the chains of transmission. It is vital to have a continued strong local, regional and national partnership to support people to understand and comply with the guidance and regulations designed to protect their health. The department has worked with local and regional partners to update the Contain Framework which sets out the roles and responsibilities of each partner, the requirements of local authorities and the support they can expect from regional and national teams. Regional teams are now meeting with local authorities daily on risks/issues, support needs and good practice. The Community Testing Programme supports local authorities in making testing accessible to people in local communities, particularly in disproportionately affected groups. 5.4 NHST&T is engaging with all sectors that need testing to reopen, but this relationship is mediated through the relevant government departments which have more knowledge and expertise in the needs of these sectors. For example, the Department for Education leads on schools and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are leading on hospitality, supported by NHST&T. It ensures that all interested departments are engaged in any testing initiatives.