Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • Serco wins Testing Centres contract rebid

Security

Serco wins Testing Centres contract rebid

Serco has been awarded a contract by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to continue providing support services to Covid-19 regional, local and mobile test centres in England and Northern Ireland.

Image courtesy Serco 

The contract, awarded after a competitive process run by the DHSC and the Crown Commercial Service, is for 12 months with an option to extend for a further six months.

The value of the award could be up to £322 million, although the actual amount could differ materially from this as the contract is designed to be flexible, matching services to the demand for testing over the coming months.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Serco will provide test site operations, asset administration support, cleaning and security services at around 20% of sites in England and Northern Ireland, including a mixture of drive-through and walk-in testing centres, as well as mobile testing units. The new contract will complete its transition process in July this year. Our expectation for the contribution from testing centres is unchanged from the guidance we gave in our latest trading update issued on 14th June.

Commenting on the award, Rupert Soames, Group Chief Executive of Serco said: “We are proud of the part we have played in building and operating the UK’s highly successful Covid-19 testing infrastructure.

Advertisement
ODU RT

From a standing start in March 2020, NHS Test & Trace has grown a network of regional, local and mobile sites which have delivered over 18.5 million individual tests, an average of 51,000 tests a day. We are delighted that the DHSC has selected us to continue to support them in providing these services for at least the next twelve months.”

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
UK urged to take AI cyber threats seriously

Security Events

UK urged to take AI cyber threats seriously

22 April 2026

At CYBERUK 2026 - currently taking place at the SEC Glasgow (21st - 23rd April) - Dr Richard Horne, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (a part of GCHQ), gave a keynote speech focused on the challenges raised by rapid technological change dominated by AI and preparation for migration to post-quantum cryptography.

Ramboll appoints Darren Carlile as Director in Buildings

Defence Security

Ramboll appoints Darren Carlile as Director in Buildings

22 April 2026

Global architecture, engineering and sustainability consultancy, Ramboll, has appointed Darren Carlile as a Director in its Buildings business, with responsibility for growth and sales across Transformation and Public Services leading on the National Security and Government, Research and Polar sectors, supporting continued Government ...

Cranfield University develops plant blast barrier

Security

Cranfield University develops plant blast barrier

22 April 2026

New research has revealed how everyday plants can help protect the public from blast impacts, whilst transforming cities into greener, healthier spaces.

PentenAmio completes acquisition of Armour Communications

Security

PentenAmio completes acquisition of Armour Communications

21 April 2026

PentenAmio has today announced its acquisition of Armour Communications, following the relevant regulatory approvals.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Smiths Detection gains ECAC Certification for AI driven cabin baggage screening

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection gains ECAC Certification for AI driven cabin baggage screening

20 April 2026

Smiths Detection has secured ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) certification for its iCMORE APIDS (Automated Prohibited Items Detection System), approved for deployment with the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX.

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

Defence Security

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

20 April 2026

Securitas UK has announced the appointment of Alan Rae to the newly created and expanded role of Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner