8091posts
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Why I became a probation officer
We spoke to probation officer, Alex, to discover what made him choose to become a probation officer and to find out about his journey so far. What inspired you to want to become a probation officer? I have always had …
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Opening a new world of opportunities – a conversation with our automation engineer apprentices
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprentices around the country. To mark the occasion, Chris, Jonathon and Tom reflect on 5 months into an automation engineer apprenticeship a the ONS.
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Yardley Chase Training Area: Northamptonshire’s hidden gem
Yardley Chase Training Area in Northamptonshire is one of our lesser-known training areas, yet it’s truly a hidden gem. The site was recently showcased for its wildlife value in the nationally acclaimed British Wildlife magazine, thanks to the committed efforts …
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Farming podcast: Next steps for environmental land management
In this episode, Lisa Warne talks to John Renner and his son, Charlie. John farms on the border of the Northumberland National Park between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick. Charlie is a farm business consultant and continues to help out on the farm. Lisa gives an update on the growth and rollout of our environmental land management …
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Grow your income using every part of a tree
Explore how trees can help you diversify your business and save you money.
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Celebrating LGBT+ History Month
Read how IT Service Manager Joe is celebrating LGBT+ History Month and the steps organisations can take to be inclusive in the workplace.
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Government increases the cost of regulation to business by £9.9bn
The RPC has published its IVB report, commenting on the Government’s recently published Business Impact Target Report for the period December 2021 to December 2022.
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£5million funding for cutting-edge veteran healthcare projects
Projects across the nation have won a share of more than £5million in funding to save and enhance lives for veterans. The 22 innovative healthcare schemes will bring advancements in technologies, interventions and treatments to better meet veterans’ physical and …
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Helping more people to prove their identity online
The Cabinet Office launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the law that aim to improve how government departments use the data they hold to make it easier for people to prove their identity online. We share more about what the changes will and won’t mean for you.
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Habitat focus – the importance of rocky and biogenic reefs
Why do reefs need protection? Most people are unaware of the many vitally important habitats which lie offshore beneath the surface of English coastal waters. Rocky and biogenic reefs are two of these important habitats, which need our consideration and …
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APHA hosts conference on poultry health
Zoe Treharne, APHA's Avian Species Expert Group Lead, talks about our first face-to-face annual Avian Science Day event held in three years. Learn more about the event and how to register your interest in attending future events.
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Dragons’ Den, Series 20 Episode 8
Plants cleared from gardens, plant-based food delivered to homes, dog snout scanners and adaptive designer wear…another intriguing evening of investor-innovator suspense beckoned as I settled down to watch this week’s Dragons’ Den.
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Thinking about joining SSAC? My thoughts on why you should get stuck in!
I wasn’t a 'Whitehall Warrior' and so thought I didn’t have a chance of being selected when I applied to become a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)! But it turned out they welcome and encourage a breadth …
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Coverage of PFAS chemicals
Today, we are looking at recent coverage of PFAS chemicals in The Guardian.
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My experience of buying transport using Get help buying for schools
In this blog post, Emma Foulkes, Chief Finance Officer, shares her experience of using the Get help buying for schools service to buy transport for her school.
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MMO supports new Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC
A new community interest company, Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC, has recently been formed, supported by funding through the UK Fisheries and Seafood Scheme from Marine Management Organisation. This week, Fishing News has shared an article about the project where the …
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Raising professional standards for motorcycle instructor training
Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner and Head of Rider Policy, discusses the changes being made to motorcycle instructor assessment and authorisation. This is to raise the standards of instruction, to ensure motorcyclists in Great Britain have access to safe, high quality training when they are learning to ride, both for the first time and after …
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How to write a strong Knowledge Asset Grant Fund application
On 20 February we launched the latest round of the Knowledge Asset Grant Fund (KAGF). The fund has been set up by the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) to help the UK civil service make the most of is …
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Fruit and vegetable supply
Government response to recent reporting on fruit and vegetable supply.
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Defra announces further support for farmers at NFU conference
Both Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey and Farming Minister Mark Spencer have addressed the National Farmers Union’s conference this week, during which they made a number of announcements to support farmers with sustainable food production. On Tuesday 21 February, …
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Coverage of Sir James Bevan’s speech: ‘Reflections on water: the good, the bad and the future’
Coverage of Sir James Bevan’s final speech on water as the outgoing Chief Executive of the Environment Agency.
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Data and the drive to transform social care
Data is fundamental to achieving good quality, person-centred care and has the power to transform its delivery. Michelle Dyson, Director General for Social Care at the Department of Health and Social Care, explains its importance and how you can help transform services through information, evidence and collaboration.
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What sustainability means to me
In the first instalment of our new Sustainability Heroes series, Simone Burke shares her motivations for trying to enjoy a more sustainable life, along with insights into some of the changes she’s made on her journey.
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What landowners can do now to gear up for the biodiversity net gain market
By Mike Burke, Programme Director – Sustainable Development If you’re a landowner, biodiversity net gain might be a new concept or a familiar one you’ve read about. It’s both an opportunity to move towards nature positive outcomes and contribute to …
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Why you need to make your maps accessible
Mapping is an important tool for service designers, but we can often create complicated, inaccessible maps. Hannah Jump outlines why it is important that your maps are accessible, how this will help you, and how to do it.
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What you need to know about Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
It is important to know that if you are experiencing problem debt, the first step is to find out what solution is right for you, and that the government provides free debt advice to support you. One solution to dealing …
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Coverage on enforcement action surrounding pollution from agriculture
There has been coverage in The Times – as part of its Clean It Up campaign - relating to the Environment Agency and enforcement action around the Farming Rules for Water regulations. These regulations cover how manure can be spread …
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Podcast – Think digital, act human: improving equity in the workplace
Ever thought about how you or your employer can improve equity in the workplace? Listen to our host, Adaobi Ifeachor, speak to our guest, Clara Greo, about practical things that can be done to level the playing field.
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Setting up major projects for success: A site visit to Sellafield
Vishal Shethwood, Project Delivery Advisor at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), shares his thoughts on the importance of front-end loading as he visits one of Sellafield’s projects on the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). Dealing with UK’s nuclear legacy …
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Introducing Animal Health and Welfare grants
Now that the Annual Health and Welfare Review is open, I’d like to share more about the next step on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway: Animal Health and Welfare grants.
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Productivity and Slurry grants: time to apply
A few weeks ago, I blogged about the latest round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. In my post, I gave an overview of the fund. I explained that it is made up of 2 themes. One theme is Productivity and Slurry. The other theme is Animal Health and Welfare. I’m pleased to say …
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Our record on farming: 30 actions we have taken to support our farmers and growers
We are re-investing £2.4 billion per year in the sector through new farming schemes Provided farmers with extensive detail on the ELMs scheme, ensuring there is something for every farmer including uplands and tenants. Accelerated the rollout of the Sustainable …
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Shaping the Data Marketplace through User Research
As part of the 2022-2025 roadmap for digital and data, the Central Digital and Data Office is working on developing a Data Marketplace for departments. We’re taking a user-centred approach to this work, focusing on the needs of those civil servants who use data in their roles, whether that’s for operational or analytical purposes. Read …
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Companies House is hiring commercial professionals
Companies House is hiring commercial professionals to join us in Cardiff. You’ll help us deliver digital transformation and legislative reform. It’s an exciting time to be working in the commercial profession, and we’d love you to come and join us.
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Protecting nature through our enforcement work – latest data published
By Stephanie Bird-Halton, National Delivery Director. At Natural England our mission is to build partnerships for nature’s recovery, which is reflected in our work with a wide range of people to rebuild sustainable ecosystems and protect and restore habitats, species, …
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HM Land Registry wants your views
Our quarterly customer satisfaction surveys in conjunction with Ipsos are your opportunity to have your say, rate our service and give us your views to help us focus our efforts where you think they are needed most. Our latest fieldwork begins on Tuesday 21 February and runs until Sunday 19 March.
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Storm overflow actions plans
On Monday 20th February, the Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey set out a clear ask for all water companies in England to share their plans on improving Britain’s water infrastructure. As part of a drive for better water quality, every water …
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Supporting the training of Ukrainian forces on the UK Defence Training Estate
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the illegal and unprovoked full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. As part of the international effort to support Ukraine, a programme of operational training of Ukrainian forces, supported by both UK and partner nations …
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Become a content designer in Defra’s future farming team
Defra is recruiting content designers for its future farming programme. Sue Agnew, Jenn Brookbanks and Tom Metcalf recently joined the team. Read about their experience of the content design role and what they enjoy about it, to help you decide if this role is right for you.
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NHS Fraud - media fact sheet
This fact sheet sets out the Department of Health and Social Care’s response to claims that the NHS has lost £7.5bn to fraud in the last six years. Statement from 17 February 2023 A government spokesperson said: “These claims are …