8867posts
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Stakeholders provide valuable feedback on breast density and screening evidence
Stakeholders have provided valuable feedback to the UK NSC on breast density and screening evidence.
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Increased payments for vet visits
From 22 January 2026, payments for the animal health and welfare review and the endemic disease follow-up will increase. This post sets out the new rates and explains how to access the funding.
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Planning reforms: delivering homes, supporting farmers, and protecting nature
Yesterday the government launched a major consultation on planning reform – building on our amends last year this will be the most fundamental rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) since its introduction over a decade ago. These reforms will create a clearer, more rules-based planning system, where developments that meet requirements can move forward with greater certainty. …
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Celebrating excellent science advice at the heart of decision making
Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession, recognises the invaluable contribution of science advice in shaping policies that tackle everything from disease outbreaks to climate change.
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5 simple ways that we can help stop superbugs
Antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. Data published in autumn 2025 shows there are nearly 400 new cases reported every week in England. When bacteria adapt to survive antibiotics, vital medicines stop working when we need them most. But the fight against …
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Imperial’s magnetometer on NASA’s IMAP Mission records successful ‘first light’
Imperial researchers celebrate a landmark achievement as NASA’s IMAP mission sends back its first data from space.
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GOV.UK has entered the Chat: our vision for GOV.UK Chat
Learn about our plans for GOV.UK Chat, the AI-powered chat system we’ve built as an easier, quicker way to interact with government.
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Five new FMPs published today
Find out about the newly published plans: cockle, queen scallop, North Sea and Channel sprat, Southern North Sea and Channel skates and rays and Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species.
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Understanding the apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for you, by Gemma Marsh
Reforms to apprenticeship assessments were announced by the Department for Education (DfE) and Minister for Skills in February 2025. Since joining Skills England in May 2025 as Deputy Chief Executive, I’ve spent much of my time listening, learning and building …
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The future of the Funding Service: solving a whole problem for users
MHCLG's Funding Service is transforming how grants are delivered, saving time and money for the department and the communities we serve. As 2025 draws to a close, learn about the team's progress and ambitious plans for the new year, including creating a more joined up and integrated service that solves a whole problem for users.
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What does good breach reporting look like?
Why does reporting matter? The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) is responsible for enforcing UK trade sanctions relating to sanctioned services and the movement of sanctioned goods overseas. These sanctions are restrictive measures set by government to comply with UN obligations, promote international peace, support national security, and prevent terrorism. Sometimes, …
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Why human behaviour is the real cyber battleground
How cyber awareness is about transforming DBT's culture, not just ticking boxes.
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Resident doctor strikes: everything you need to know
The BMA Resident Doctors Committee took three rounds of five-day strike action in 2025 (25-30 July, 14-19 October and 17-22 December 2025). Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the BMA resident doctor strikes, including what patients need to know about their care. Are …
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Turning science into action: How we’re delivering water data for England’s future
Today marks a significant moment for all of us who care about England’s rivers and streams. Today, we’re releasing our first set of analysis-ready water data under Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme and I’m immensely proud of the work of hundreds of committed Environment Agency Staff that has got us to this point.
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Major milestone: NCEA publishes new datasets on England's environment
Today, a major milestone for the programme has been announced – the first release of Analysis Ready Data from the UK’s largest ever field surveys have been published. The NCEA programme is all about turbocharging nature's recovery through delivering robust and up to date evidence on the terrestrial and freshwater environment. Read this blog post to find out more.
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Coverage of our over £1 billion investment to support victims of domestic abuse
There has been widespread national coverage of the government’s announcement which unveiled over £1 billion will be invested for victims of domestic abuse to access support and rebuild their lives. An extra £19 million will be invested under the Domestic …
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ADOPT: first projects selected as next round opens
With the next round of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund now open, we highlight some projects that have recently begun, to inspire you to apply.
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Carbon valuation: why it matters for regulatory policy
How government values carbon has become an increasingly important part of its value for money analysis. At the RPC, we scrutinise carbon appraisal as we would other societal impacts - looking for proportionality, transparency and consistency.
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Future Food Regulation and Healthy Food Sales
Cymraeg At the FSA’s Board meeting on Wednesday, the Chief Executive’s update to the Board highlighted the recent request from Government for the FSA to develop a new national approach to regulation for large food businesses in England. This will …
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5 tips for managing your woodland this winter
MacBradan Bones, Nature Recovery Advisor for the Forestry Commission, shares his tips on managing your woodland this winter.
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Natural England’s Chief Scientist reflects on the Science, Evidence and Analysis for nature recovery
By Professor Sallie Bailey, FICFOR, BES On 4 December, the Royal Armouries in Leeds hosted some leading voices in nature recovery. Thought leaders and innovators from environmental NGOs, academia, finance, infrastructure and local government joined Natural England at our Science, …
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Its the final day of Professional Recognition Week: what's next?
Over the last week, we’ve heard from members and institutions on the benefits of Professional Recognition and how it can benefit you. Today, we’re exploring the key steps you need to take to kick-start the process, as well as outlining what support the GSE Profession provides to members looking to obtain recognition. 1. Understand …
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How collaboration and innovation came together to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping
The recent Local Government Innovation Hackathon in Birmingham united over 150 experts to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping challenges. Teams developed bold, AI-driven solutions, including the winning prototype matching people to accommodation. The event showcased the power of collaboration, innovation and responsible AI in tackling pressing social issues and shaping future government policy.
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A Second Career for the Armed Forces Community
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Advance into Justice (AIJ) scheme, a dedicated recruitment initiative designed to support Armed Forces service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their spouses or civil partners in transitioning …
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Using a third party provider to verify your identity with Companies House
Directors and people with significant control (PSCs) can verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). This blog post explores the benefits of using an ACSP to verify.
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Lobster size rules are changing – here’s what you need to know
The lobster MCRS will increase to 90mm in the South West in March 2026 and phased in at 1mm/year in the rest of English waters.
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Applying to become a Chartered Scientist: a fast streamer’s personal journey
On Day 4 of Professional Recognition Week, we’re focusing on the recognition journey of one of our Science and Engineering Fast Streamers (SEFS). David Franklin, a SEFS alumni based at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, reflects on his experience applying for Professional Recognition following the SEFS scheme. What motivated you to pursue professional accreditation during your time on (or shortly after) the …
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Bio-beads: what are they, what are they used for and what risk do they pose to the environment?
On the week of 3 November a vast number of small black plastic pellets started to wash up on the beach at Camber Sands in East Sussex. It immediately, and naturally, drew considerable concern from the public and local community. …
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National plan to halve long-term rough sleeping and prevent homelessness
There has been widespread, national print and broadcast coverage, alongside extensive positive stakeholder reaction, on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s cross-government plan to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping. The strategy is backed by £3.5 billion of investment …
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School inspections: frequently asked questions
Since we published the renewed inspection framework on 9 September 2025, we’ve put on lots of online and face-to-face engagement with schools to answer your questions. We’re publishing the most frequently asked questions below, so you can see all the …
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World first as GE Vernova completes Step 2 generic design assessment
We’ve just announced that GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is the first company in the world to successfully complete our two step generic design assessment (GDA) process. Its BWRX-300 reactor design, a 300 megaWatt electrical (MWe) boiling water reactor, has been issued with a Step 2 statement. What does this mean and what have we …
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Our Voice, Video and Integration journey
Sometimes bigger isn’t better. Three years ago, MoJ launched our Justice Digital Strategy 2025, aiming to become a more flexible organisation, driven by data and led by users. Our Evolve portfolio of projects has played an important role in delivering on this strategy and in Justice Digital’s mission to make things simpler, faster, and better for our users. As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a …
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Minimum brown crab size backed by South West fishermen
The minimum size will be changing on 1 February 2026 to protect stocks and make fishing clearer and fairer across the region.
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Buncefield: 20 years on, reflections from those who were there
For this second piece, we wanted to share first-hand experiences from some of our colleagues who were directly involved. Their memories highlight the scale of the incident and how it continues to influence our work today.
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Rethinking how we approach the design of reservoirs
By Jacqui Jobbins, Landscape Senior Specialist, Natural England As our climate changes and demand for water grows, water companies across the country are planning new reservoirs and expanding existing ones. But these projects aren’t just about storing water – they’re …
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Paws, patents and protection
From slow feeder bowls to retractable leads, discover how intellectual property protects the products that keep our four-legged friends safe and happy.
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Occupations in demand in 2025: what the analysis means for the skills system, by Frank Bowley
Skills England has published its latest analysis, occupations in demand, exploring the occupations most in demand across the UK labour market in 2025. This analysis helps us to understand which employers and industries are likely to be feeling the greatest pressures to recruit and retain workers, and the level of qualification those workers are likely to need. Used alongside other …
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What teachers need to know about our on-screen assessment proposals
As teachers, you know better than anyone that GCSEs, AS and A levels are high-stakes qualifications that shape young people's futures. Every decision about how these exams are delivered must start with one question: is this fair for students? That's …
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100 Days of Cyber & Specialist Operations Command
On 1 September, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) was officially stood up. It has been an extraordinary 100 days since then, with the transition representing more than just a change of name - it has marked a fundamental evolution …
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Discover our coaching and mentoring opportunities: supporting GSE members with Professional Recognition
The Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Profession leads the way in championing the benefits of mentoring, promoting best practice and recognising its contribution towards professional development, diversity and career growth. Our 2021 strategy demonstrates our commitment to mentoring for GSE members. Mentoring is especially vital for helping colleagues achieve Professional Recognition, building confidence, and establishing networks across …