GOV.UK blogs

NHS abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening annual standards report published

The NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme annual standards report for 2023 to 2024 has been published.

Working in partnership to manage surface water flooding

Surface water flooding is localised and complex. There are currently 3.2 million properties in areas at risk in England. As the September floods have shown, it is a real and growing threat to life, property, infrastructure, and to the economy. …

Introduction to Product Management – now available on FutureLearn!

Our new Introduction to Product Management course is now available! This is an open course with no limit on the number of spaces.

FiPL spotlight: transitioning from intensive farming to nature-friendly farming 

In this Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) spotlight post, Rebekah Newman, tells the story of Tom Mills and Bubnell Cliff Farm in the Peak District National Park. Tom used FiPL funding to realise a new vision for his farm.

"Becoming a Community Payback supervisor is a great career choice.”

Since joining the Probation Service as a community payback (CP) supervisor 25 years ago, Ali Searle has never looked back. She tells us what she’s learnt along the way, why she’s still so passionate about working in CP now, and …

Using DVSA Data 

As part of DVSA’s routine work we collect data – for example from the annual test or MOT. 

In line with wider government policy, we make as much of that data available publicly or to the customers who have a direct interest in it.

Working together to improve Waste Regulation 

The Waste Industry Placement Scheme (WIPS) is a collaborative venture between the ourselves at the Environment Agency, alongside the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and their members, who operate recycling and waste treatment infrastructure. It aims to provide our officers with …

When UCD and popcorn collide

How UCD are using popcorn to continuously improve our ways of working.

Spotlight on the field teams working in Hampshire and Sussex to reduce flooding  

It’s Flood Action Week so we’re showcasing the great work of our field teams in Hampshire and Sussex.   These teams play a vital role reducing the risk of flooding to communities in the south east of England. In Hampshire and …

Introducing OTSI

Welcome to the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) blog, where you will find helpful information about the work we do and see updates on our latest developments.  What are trade sanctions and why do we use them?   The UK’s …

Regulation 45 reviews and reports – what you need to know

If you are the registered person for a children’s home, the law requires you to complete a regular review of the quality of care the home provides for children. These reviews, and the reports that follow them, are often called …

Innovation book club: 10 reads for problem solvers and creative thinkers

In support of this year’s One Big Thing, we’ve asked innovation leaders from across the Civil Service to give us their 2024 reading must-haves.

What it’s like to be an intelligence officer at Companies House 

Read about the role of an intelligence officer at Companies House.

The Rural Payments Agency Podcast: Episode 10

Welcome to the tenth episode of The RPA Podcast. In our latest episode, we have a roundtable discussion with RPA’s senior customer leadership team: ‘Inside the RPA: Leadership and Vision’.  In the second part of the podcast, we bring you …

A new approach to export support on great.gov.uk 

How we made it easier to find the answers to complex questions on Great.gov.uk.

All Smiles for Nature and Health in the Humber Region 

Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (Natural England Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team) and Anthony Hurd, Programme Manager (Green Social Prescribing, HEY Smile Foundation)  Imagination and collaboration go a long way in helping us to develop new and …

A new challenge: using satellite tech to monitor Algal Blooms in Northern Ireland

The UK Space Agency is aiming to address the challenges blue-green algal blooms pose to Lough Neagh and its surrounding communities.

Meet the Modern Civil Service: Jo Shanmugalingam

Jo Shanmugalingam is the Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, and she spoke to us about what a Modern Civil Service means to her.

Application are now open for Science and Engineering Fast Stream 2025

What do climate change, food safety, transport emissions and sustainable housing all have in common? They are all underpinned by science and engineering. Recruiting more scientists and engineers is essential to ensure scientific evidence provides quality government decision making. The …

Regulating the water industry - our approach, what we’re changing and new powers in the Water Bill 

Regulating the water industry - our approach, what we're changing and new powers

Live today- FMP and JFS consultations and publication of flatfish FMP

Today we’ve launched consultations on Defra’s next five draft fisheries management plans, a consultation on amendments to the joint fisheries statement and published the flatfish FMP.

Prioritising mental health in the workplace  

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme is ‘workplace mental health’. In this post, our colleague Noor talks about some of the mental health initiatives he has led on and been involved in whilst at MHCLG, and shares some insights and tips on how employers can support mental health in the workplace.

Reclaiming the Narrative: Celebrating Heritage and Connection to Nature

Michelle Mangal, Senior Manager, Connecting People with Nature team As we celebrate Black History Month this October, the theme “Reclaiming the Narrative: Reclaiming Connections with Nature,” feels more relevant than ever. At Natural England, we’re proud to highlight the fantastic …

Renters’ Rights Bill Takes a Crucial Step Forward with Second Reading in Parliament

Today, our Renters’ Rights Bill returned to Parliament for the Second Reading, less than a month since it was first introduced. This will be the first time MPs will debate the Bill, as these much-needed protections for renters take another …

The value of parametric insurance in the event of climate disasters

The African Risk Capacity (ARC) organisation marks 10 years of providing rapid prearranged finance following extreme weather events and GAD works with ARC and others. In this blog we look at the use of parametric insurance to deliver support to the most vulnerable areas of the world.

Visiting comets and autumnal meteors: the night sky in October 2024

The longer nights of October provide more time to see the autumnal skies before the nights get chiller! It’s a great month for meteors, seeing the closest and brightest galaxy in our skies, and later in the month there’s a …

Celebrating one year of innovation: Project Simplify’s digital makeover

Starting as a six-week sprint for quick improvement wins, the success of the Department for Business and Trade’s Simplify initiative brought a new challenge.

LUMINOUS Show Technology – King's Award for International Trade recipient

LUMINOUS are leading manufacturers of special effects hardware. “Winning The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a momentous occasion for the team, and we are immensely proud of this achievement. It serves as confirmation of our dedication to …

Cultivating resilient trees and woodlands in London: a model for all

Trees are battling the climate crisis, pests and diseases. Richard Cobb, Local Partnership Advisor for the South East and London, shares what we can learn from recent research in London.

State of Natural Capital Report for England is now published

The State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024 : Risks to nature and why it matters, a new report from Natural England, was published on 9 October 2024.  The economy and society are intimately dependent on the health of the …

Online surveys to share fisheries management plan views

We’ve launched two online surveys to support the development of the fisheries management plans for wrasses, black seabream, and demersal stocks in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel.

Coverage of Ofwat’s annual Water Company Performance Report

Today we are looking at media coverage following the publication of Ofwat’s annual Water Company Performance Report

How we monitor flu and other respiratory viruses each winter

As we approach another winter season, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is ramping up its comprehensive surveillance systems to monitor flu and other seasonal respiratory viruses. Here's an overview of how we're working to keep the nation informed and protected. …

Scalability Challenges in Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning

Hear from some of the winners of the UK-US PETs Prize Challenges on scalability challenges and solutions in privacy-preserving federated learning.

My experience of using Get help buying for schools to buy multi-functional devices and more

Jacqui Whiting is a Procurement and Contracts Manager at Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi-Academy Company (MAC), a family of 17 schools across Warwickshire and Worcestershire.  Jacqui has used Get help buying for schools to buy multi-functional devices, grounds maintenance and catering.

Marburg virus disease: what you need to know

You may have seen reports about a rise in cases of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, which we are monitoring closely.  Marburg virus belongs to the filovirus family, along with Ebola. It can cause haemorrhagic fever, meaning it can damage …

5 tips for managing your woodland this autumn

MacBradan Bones, Nature Recovery Advisor at the Forestry Commission, shares five tips on managing your woodland this autumn.

Defra group digital and data transformation strategy: how we’re making our services better

David Caldwell, Defra’s Deputy Director for Digital Transformation, provides an update on the work underway to transform digital services in Defra. It has been a while since we last shared what we’re doing to transform our services. I took up …

How peatland partnerships are transforming and restoring degrading landscapes into healthy, vibrant peatlands

Peatland partnerships are transforming degrading landscapes into healthy, vibrant peatlands across England. In this post, Sam Joyce, from the Peatland Restoration team at Defra, shares more about the collaborative work he's seen taking place.

RPA and National Customer Service Week

This year’s National Customer Service Week runs from 7 to 11 October 2024 and is designed to raise awareness of customer service and the vital role it plays. One of the ways RPA gathers feedback on our approach to customer service …