8979posts
-
One month to go: know your rights before the Renters’ Rights Act kicks in
In just one month’s time, a major shake‑up of the private rented sector comes into force. From 1 May 2026, the new Renters’ Rights Act will give 11 million renters stronger protections, fairer rules and greater security in their homes. …
-
Growing trees and farming together for nature recovery – new agroforestry principles launched
By Alisa Swanson, Natural England Agroforestry — the practice of combining trees with farming — is gaining renewed momentum as a practical way to increase tree cover and restore nature without sacrificing productive land. This post explores how Natural England …
-
Good financial health starts with good financial habits
April marks the start of a new financial year for many – and for charity trustees, that makes it the perfect moment to take stock.
-
Continued funding for adult social care learning and development in financial year 2026/27
Investing in the adult social care workforce
-
Why international standards matter for digital identity in the UK
Digital identity only works if people trust it. And that trust needs to hold in a world where people increasingly live, work and do business across countries. That’s why international standards matter for the UK’s digital verification services (DVS) trust framework. They help ensure digital identity services are …
-
Fertiliser survey: share your views
The conflict in the Middle East continues to influence global fuel and energy prices. We’re working closely with industry to monitor the situation. As part of this, we want to understand how these changes are affecting farmers and land managers in England. We’ve launched a survey to gather your experiences.
-
An update on the Nutrient Management Planning Tool
We recently introduced the ‘existing manure storage capacity’ function to the Nutrient Management Planning Tool. The new functionality includes a calculation of existing manure storage capacity, giving users a clearer picture of the storage they already have in place.
-
The Regulatory Policy Committee’s rating system explained – and tips for getting it right
We're often asked what makes the difference between a green and red rating. This post explains our rating system, what we look for and how government departments can improve the quality of their assessments.
-
Low Pay Commission explainer: the minimum wage and inflation
Each April, when minimum wage rates rise, employers consider how to respond. Should they take a hit to their bottom line? Try to find savings or efficiencies? Or pass the cost on to their customers, by raising their prices? In …
-
What next for our framework for apprenticeship assessment
Our new Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework sets out the final conditions, requirements and guidance for reformed apprenticeship assessment. These reforms are designed to accommodate the Department for Work and Pensions’ new principles of flexibility in the way apprenticeships are assessed. This framework provides that flexibility while ensuring standards for assessment will be upheld.
-
Recruiting participants in libraries: tips for user researchers
Improving access to justice starts with understanding the real challenges people face when using government services. Many of those who most need legal help are also the least likely to take part in traditional research. This can be due to …
-
A positive first year for NISTA
Becky Wood, Chief Executive of NISTA, reflects on a busy first year for the organisation delivering against its remit to help transform government’s approach to major project planning and delivery. It’s well known in the world of project delivery that …
-
How Advice and Guidance is helping to cut waiting times for patients
Advice and Guidance (A&G) has been used in the NHS for years. It helps GPs get advice from specialists on a patient’s condition to decide the best course of treatment. The below sets out the facts following media reports. Below …
-
My Day at the Coast with the King: Launching the King Charles III England Coast Path
By Neil Constable, Programme Manager, King Charles III England Coast Path Team This blog post is a personal reflection by Neil on the official launch of the trail at Seven Sisters in Sussex on 19 March. Neil describes his 16-year …
-
Inspecting water companies: a day in the life of an Environment Agency Water Industry Regulation Officer
When I stepped into my new role with the Environment Agency’s Water Industry Regulation team, covering Kidderminster and Tewkesbury, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Six months on, I can confidently say that this has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening periods of my career so far.
-
OFSI’s 10 Year Anniversary – Reflections from Giles Thomson, Director of OFSI
Ten years ago, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) was established to ensure that the United Kingdom’s financial sanctions are clearly understood, effectively implemented and robustly enforced. Over the past decade, financial sanctions have become an increasingly important tool in furthering the UK’s foreign policy, national security and economic aims. Financial sanctions …
-
Modernising services: Nick Goodwin’s reflections on change at HMCTS
HMCTS Chief Executive Nick Goodwin reflects on how the organisation has built strong foundations for continued transformation, the challenges that remain, and what the future holds.
-
Beware the criminals lurking online
The modern way to find many of the services, trades and products we need to buy is to look online. It’s quick, easy and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. But it is a minefield …
-
One year of AI Accelerator: building Government tech talent
It is one year since the AI Accelerator programme launched in March 2025, transforming how government professionals build confidence, technical skills and practical capabilities in applying AI. The Accelerator programmes support departments to grow their own data and AI talent …
-
Holtec small modular reactor completes nuclear regulators’ design assessment
As regulators of the nuclear industry, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) are working together to make sure that any new nuclear power stations built in the UK meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.
-
When AI answers the question, what happens to the user journey?
How is AI changing the way people engage with public services online? The DfE team are reflecting on the changes in how people access their services, and thinking about what this means for our practices and ways of working.
-
Protecting our Planet – 1 year on
Learn more about how we’re helping protect the Earth and space from contamination.
-
Best Start Family Hubs: what parents need to know
Getting the best start in life shouldn't depend on postcode. That's why we are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across the country. These hubs are part of a wider Best Start in Life strategy, backed by over £900 million over the next …
-
CustomerFirst: how we’re transforming services together
CustomerFirst is a new unit in GDS, set up to explore fresh ways of working in government and modernise public services. The unit launched in January 2026. This blog post shares insight into the work so far and plans for the 2 years ahead.
-
Not all years lived are equal: understanding measures of health
HLE and QALYs both measure quality of health - but they're built differently, used differently, and answer different policy questions. Find out more in this blog from GAD actuary Natasha Hill.
-
Smarter Planning and Licensing Systems: Delivering Better Results for Bats and People
By Mike Smith – Deputy Director, Wildlife Licensing and Reform This blog outlines how Natural England is modernising the bat licensing system. It explores how we are building evidence to strengthen the planning system to deliver better outcomes for bat …
-
Nature market benefits: lessons from the Evenlode project
In March 2025, we introduced new standards for fair and transparent nature markets. This post explains what they mean in practice for farmers, using the Evenlode Landscape Recovery project as an example.
-
Bass Management Group: meeting updates and discard reporting
Updates on bass management work, including authorisations, netting, negotiations and why discard reporting matters.
-
The lifecycle of catkins
Emily Robinson, Content Officer at the Forestry Commission, explains how there is more to catkins than meets the eye when it comes to tree reproduction and the ecological value they provide to our woodlands.
-
OPSS Invites Researchers: New Areas of Research Interest
Are you passionate about advancing product safety and driving innovation? At the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), we are excited to introduce our Areas of Research Interest (ARIs): an open call to academic and industry researchers to engage …
-
Brought to life through film: the role of Historic Environment Records for National Parks
Wonder how we care for the ancient sites and historical places within our National Parks? These places are some of the most iconic and precious elements of these special landscapes. These special sites continue to inspire and awe visitors from around the world, but these showstoppers are just a small part of the amazing heritage sites protected within National Parks, all …
-
New advice for parents on screen time for young children
Screens are part of everyday life for young families. With 98% of two-year-olds watching screens daily, avoiding them altogether isn't realistic — but managing them well can make a difference to how young children grow and develop. Here's what you need to know about the government's new free guidance for parents.
-
Investment backs six pioneering projects to grow the UK's climate services sector
The UK Space Agency has concluded its latest Climate Services Call, supporting six pioneering projects with a combined investment of £380,000 to accelerate the growth of the UK’s climate services sector.
-
ADOPT Fund: upcoming application deadlines
If you’re considering applying for support through the latest rounds of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund, this is a reminder that application deadlines are approaching.
-
Misleading reporting of Spectrum Building resident payouts
There has been inaccurate media reporting suggesting former residents of Spectrum Building in Dagenham are being made to pay for the building’s fire safety works. This is not true. Since the fire in August 2024, the building’s freeholder has gone …
-
Exploring a common architecture platform for local government
GDS Local’s sourcing the stack initiative is part of our commitment to co-create a vision for local government technology. We’ve been looking closely at how councils describe their technology to gain a better understanding of technical architecture across local government, and one of our findings …
-
Coverage of Government response to Rycroft Review
This week we published our response to the independent Rycroft Review, commissioned to look into foreign financial influence and interference in UK democracy. We’re bringing in the recommendations to cap political donations of overseas electors at £100,000 a year and …
-
What is Shigella? How do you catch it and how can it be avoided?
Shigella is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It's more common than many people realise and understanding how it spreads is key to protecting yourself and others. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to it.
-
Why we are taking action on ‘less healthy’ food and drink
What is already in place What we are proposing The evidence
-
A survey for the milk sector
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator is inviting people across the milk sector to complete a short survey on milk pricing and supply chain relationships. This will help to understand how the regulations are working and how the sector is responding to current conditions.