GOV.UK blogs

Update on construction route review

In 2021, the Institute reviewed the way it undertook route reviews. As a result, a new approach was suggested and this is currently being piloted in the construction route. We have been working closely with our route panel members and …

How I turned a full-time job into a job-share

Want a job share, but don’t know where to start? For those dreaming of  working part-time in a job share, the biggest challenge is often finding your professional ‘other half.’ Some simple steps in your recruitment campaign will increase your …

Environment Secretary George Eustice joins Dame Joanna Lumley ahead of trials to reduce underwater noise

Yesterday (13 January), Environment Secretary George Eustice joined Dame Joanna Lumley at Alford’s Technologies to observe a demonstration of high order detonation (explosion) and low order deflagration methods of removing unexploded ordnance (munitions). This received coverage in the Express, Sun, Daily Mail and on ITV News.

The deadline for primary school applications is Saturday 15 January: here's what you need to know

Tomorrow (15 Jan) is the primary school application deadline day.

Isolation rules have changed – what does this mean for families and schools?

This article contains out of date information about Covid-19 in schools. We no longer recommend routine testing. Please visit this link for up-to-date information. On Thursday 13 January the Health Secretary announced changes to isolation rules for people who have …

Science Communication and Engagement Specialist- Environment Agency

The Environment Agency are looking for a skilled science communication and engagement specialist to join their Research Hub, a friendly, fun and busy team at the heart of the Chief Scientist’s Group, to help increase the reach and impact of …

G7 Project Lead- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

We are looking for an experienced Project Lead, with a track record of managing a team to deliver a portfolio of complex capital projects within the Science Facilities Critical Works Programme. Summary The Critical Works Programme is a major investment …

Met Office webinar: UK Climate Projections - how can they be used to inform adaptation?

Registration link: Register for UKCP webinar Date: 26th January, 13:00-15:30 Want to learn about what climate change means foryou and your organisation? Want to get to grips with future climate change in the UK? Are you looking to develop your …

Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change- DEFRA

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are seeking three experienced, skilled and motivated people to serve on the Adaptation Committee (AC). The AC is a committee of the Climate Change Committee (CCC). It advises the Government on …

Rediscovering Discoveries

When we ran the cross-Defence discovery for the Foundry last year, we were fortunate enough to collect an incredibly rich set of user needs. From operational data needs in the deployed space, to more intuitive intranets, there really was much …

What’s the alternative? How to write good alt text

Design102 explains why and how you should be writing good alt text. Alt text helps users to access and consume content by describing in words elements that might otherwise rely solely on visuals.

More time for farmers to apply for free business advice

The late harvest of last year made it difficult for farmers to apply for free business advice. So, we’ve offered our advice providers an extension of up to 6 months which is when the next phase of support is expected to begin.

Intersectional feminism in the Civil Service

Considering intersectionality in gender inclusion is vital, though often overlooked. It requires us to recognise the multiple aspects of a person which may advantage or disadvantage them- so taking into account class, gender, race, disability and so forth, recognising that …

How we’re making language lessons more accessible and relevant

Modern foreign languages like French, German and Spanish are really useful to know – not just for visiting counties that speak those languages, but employers increasingly see language skills as highly desirable.

Dragons' Den, Episode 2, Series 19

From eco-friendly paint trays to sustainable beauty products and at home puddle patches for your pooches, there was a vast range of products in the Den this evening. But there were two pitches that really caught my eye. If you’re …

Environmental Audit Committee report on water quality in rivers

Today’s blog post looks at coverage of the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on water quality in rivers.

Supporting the COVID-19 Vaccination booster

The Civil Service has been asked to support the Prime Minister’s challenge to deliver COVID-19 vaccination boosters to everyone aged 18 and over in England. Many colleagues across our organisation have volunteered across England and found the experience incredibly rewarding. …

5G- Just a 'faster 4G’ and other misconceptions

First things first, I think we have a little way to go to break from the misconception that 5G is "just a 'faster' 4G" - this misrepresentation hinders the vision of what can be achieved. TV ads that pitch 5G …

What we’re doing to keep vulnerable children safe and what to do if you have concerns about a child’s welfare

The death or serious harm of any child is a tragedy and recent cases such as those of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson have shocked and appalled the nation. It is imperative in all these circumstances that we find out …

HM Land Registry fees are changing

Applications for registration services submitted on or after Monday 31 January will be charged under the new 2021 Fee Order. Are you ready?

MOD are doing cyber-security awareness differently

Cyber security can often be difficult to understand and as a result, we may not know how to fully protect ourselves if we are unsure about the guidance that is out there. It is crucial that everyone, no matter their …

Seven reasons why Sellafield is a place projects professionals should consider

Andy Sharples, projects director for Sellafield Ltd, leads on some of the most important major projects in the country. He tells us why he wants to change perceptions of the work we carry out and become an exemplar in project delivery.

Our new strategy: User-centered design

Explore and champion the needs of our users, helping DIT design services that maximise successful international trade and the delivery of its outcomes

GCSE English and maths results in the November series

Nearly 100,000 students who took GCSE English language and maths exams in the November series in England will collect their results today (13 January 2022). I am delighted that these exams were able to go ahead, and that they were …

South West and Wales Talent Network

Do you have passion for Talent? Do you want to shape the future of the South West and Wales Talent Network? If so, we need you.

What international university students should know before travelling to England

As many international students may be considering travelling back to England to their university or other higher education provider over the next few weeks, we have been working closely with the higher education sector to ensure that they are supported.

Celebrating Geovation’s start-up successes – and seeking the next cohort

The Geovation Accelerator Programme gives property and geospatial technology businesses the help and support they need to grow, as the latest success stories show. We're now looking for the next group of innovators to join the programme.

Deadline extended for new UK NSC chair recruitment

The deadline for the recruitment of a new chair of the UK National Screening Committee has been extended until 21 January 2022.

Elephant in the room - It is time to address that difficult conversation

Are you a manager? A Friend? A colleague? We all have times where we need to have that difficult conversation or approach a difficult subject and address the elephant in the room. Join us to hear more

Not sure how or where to start?

Come and join our CS Local North Connect event on the 25th & 26th January to find out more.

Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds - Case Studies

The Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds are supporting projects improving woodland habitat and increasing resilience to pests, diseases and climate change. Find out about two of the successful projects recieving funding.

Ammunition loading jetty for Royal Navy’s surface fleet completed

Shortly before Christmas I was happy to complete a major Defence project which has been occupying a lot of my time over the last few years. On 15th December we handed over the Northern Ammunition Jetty at Glen Mallan to …

How maths helps bring pace to our projects

Josh Byrne, is our first operational research and analytics degree apprentice at Sellafield Ltd, he tells us why using maths and problem solving in his apprenticeship is helping high hazard reduction.

How the Environment Agency responds to pollution incidents

A look into today's coverage on how the Environment Agency responds to pollution incidents .

Government publishes The Rose Book: guidance on knowledge asset management in government

The Knowledge Assets Team are pleased to announce that on 20 December, the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published The Rose Book (pictured below), which provides guidance on the effective management of public sector knowledge and innovation assets. …

Have your say in shaping biodiversity net gain

The passing of the Environment Act is a significant step in setting out clear targets and direction in environmental legislation for nature recovery. Key amongst these is the mandating of biodiversity net gain within the planning process. This will make …

5 things to know about recent changes to testing

The huge increase in COVID-19 cases across the country in recent weeks has shown that the pandemic is not over and highlighted that we must keep working together to slow the spread of the virus, protect others and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Greening the UK economy - Green apprenticeship advisory panel’s advice to trailblazers begins

The Institute has worked closely with the green apprenticeship advisory panel and the wider green community to review current apprenticeships against the National Green Jobs Taskforce Report and recommend to trailblazers where their products map to the needs of the …

How HMPPS cross-agency collaboration is set to help reduce re-offending rates

In the Content Hub team's first blog, we talked about research we did into Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) that informed the very specific content created to launch the Hub into HMYOI Cookham Wood. In this second blog, we're talking about …

How my faith helps me in my Business Analyst role

Ahead of World Religion Day, Sunday 16 January 2022, find out how Mark's faith influences his work as a Business Analyst on a day to day basis.

Letter of thanks from Kevin Sadler

Kevin Sadler, Acting CEO of HMCTS, sent a letter of thanks to colleagues working in the justice system for their continued dedication, professionalism and support of courts and tribunals and all those who use them.