9583posts
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Coverage of new political donation rules
There has been significant coverage in the media of our changes to political finances. These tough new rules will protect our democracy against foreign interference and respond to longstanding stakeholder recommendations, including from the Ethics and Integrity Commission (formerly the …
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Response to claims on housebuilding and flooding
There has been national reporting today about research from the insurer Aviva claiming one in nine new homes is at risk of flooding. Some of the figures quoted in Aviva’s research are misleading as they don’t factor in flood defences …
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How we’re making technology procurement more sustainable
Harry Kenny talks about how in Defra we are reimagining our approach to technology procurement. In Defra, we are putting this approach into practice through our new End User Services (EUS) contract. This is the contract that provides laptops, phones, …
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First Impressions of Working in NSpOC
Today we talk to James Carmichael, Deputy Head (Civil Operations) who recently joined NSPOC and has responsibility for civil operations.
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How does cold weather affect health? Our new report explores the hidden impact
When we talk about winter deaths, we may think of hypothermia or people dying directly from low temperatures. The reality is more complex - and often invisible.
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A year of partnership and progress for the Leeds Health and Social Care Hub
2025 marked a transformative year for the Leeds Health and Social Care Hub, cementing its position as a pioneering model of collaboration between national government and local health and care systems. Emma Heeson, Head of the Hub, tells us more. The Hub …
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Launching BluePrint: Expanding citizen science across England's waterways
We’re delighted to announce the launch of a new digital tool that lets you report on the health of your local rivers, lakes and beaches in real-time, directly from your phone. BluePrint, developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Hello Lamp Post, builds on the success of WaterWatch - a year-long pilot that gathered public observations at five bathing water sites. Now, the concept is going national.
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Help shape the Farmer Collaboration Fund
Through the Farmer Collaboration Fund, government will help farmers and land managers share knowledge more easily, so best practice becomes common practice. We’re inviting people to hear our latest plans and share their views at a series of in-person workshops.
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Driving Pro-Consumer Regulatory Reform in partnership with ASEAN
This blog post explores how recent research from OPSS is contributing to shaping inclusive economic growth in the Philippines. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is the UK's national product regulator, yet our commitment to research and impact …
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Driving success through digital adoption
Digital adoption is about people. Our work on Data Hub shows that change is a process, and through collaboration and support teams can embrace tools that help improve workflows, strengthen business engagement, and enable smarter decisions.
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Stress-testing an AI tool to explore its potential for faster local plans and greater citizen engagement
We’re exploring if AI can help support faster local plan preparation. An AI tool developed by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning and the University of Liverpool is now being stress-tested by 5 local authorities, to see if the initial results – accurate consultation summaries produced in a fraction of the time - can be replicated elsewhere.
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Ramadan and Lent: Celebrating generosity, protecting good intentions
As Ramadan begins for Muslims - and as many Christians observe Lent, another period of reflection, fasting and charitable giving - I want to start with a simple message: thank you. The generosity of Britain's faith communities is extraordinary. Every …
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What to know before applying to register with Ofsted: choosing names for your childcare setting and legal entity
Selecting a name for your childcare business is an important early decision. Getting this right from the outset helps us process your application more quickly and limits the need for follow-up questions. In this blog, we explain what your legal entity name …
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What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school
This blog has been updated to reflect the introduction of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV) vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026. Eligibility for the MMRV vaccine is dependent on your child’s age. …
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A Snapshot of Lunar New Year Celebrations in East & South East Asia
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government civil servant Aggie Michael shares the meaning of the Lunar New Year on 17 February, drawing parallels between the Chinese Zodiac and traditional Civil Service values. This February, I’ll be joining the largest …
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DHSC/NHSBSA Request a Baby Loss Certificate Beta Reassessment
Read about the beta reassessment on Request a baby loss certificate from DHSC/NHSBSA.
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UKHSA Health Publications Alpha Assessment
Read about the alpha assessment on Health Publications from UKSHA.
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Update on May 2026 local authority elections
We have today issued the below statement for immediate use on the local authority elections taking place in May 2026. An MHCLG spokesperson said: “Following legal advice, the Government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in …
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Call for evidence on ownership and control in financial sanctions regulations
OFSI has launched a call for evidence to seek industry’s views on how UK financial sanctions regulations on ownership and control are applied in practice, including how firms implement the regulations and where they face challenges. The ownership and control …
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Are schools closed because of snow? Everything parents need to know
On snowy days schools make every effort to stay open but sometimes they must close or partially close if it’s unsafe for pupils and teachers to attend.
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Unearthing the leisure and tourism potential of our woodlands
Nik Evans, Economist at the Forestry Commission, shares the significant contributions woodland leisure and tourism make to the UK economy.
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Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition: Spotlight on The Cayman Islands - Part 2
In Part 2 of this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to learn more about the crew, and how the data generated will be used to support marine management in the future.
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Part 2 - Why we love the Civil Service
This Valentine’s Day, civil servants reveal what really makes their hearts beat a little faster at work: from the small everyday wins to big reasons to stay, these are the stories our staff are proud to love! Interviews by Lorraine …
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Changes to Heavy Vehicle testing in early 2026
Over the last few months, we’ve sent out information on some of the changes coming into the heavy vehicle testing process.
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Holly’s apprenticeship journey in nuclear decommissioning
Holly New, Project Management Degree Apprentice, joined the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) as a Business Admin Apprentice in September 2023, working as part its Group Cyber Services (GCS) team. She has played a key role in supporting a variety of …
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Dragons Den IP Blog - Series 23 Episode 3
Dragon Deborah Meaden asked entrepreneurs, the question we were eager to hear answered. “Let’s talk about the IP. Do you have any protection?” We were delighted to hear their answers...
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Building skills for opportunity: how Skills England is paving a pathway to success for young people, by Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean
Every young person deserves the chance to build a rewarding career, regardless of their background. That's the ambition at the heart of the government's opportunity mission, and the UK Youth Guarantee initiative, and it's an ambition that Skills England is working hard to deliver. This National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been …
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Power of Attorney Stories: Sreeparna
[English] - [Cymraeg] A lasting power of attorney, also known as an LPA, is a legal document. It allows you to nominate someone you trust to step in and make decisions about your health and welfare and property and finance if you lack mental …
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How meeting our users in person changed everything
Steph, Linda and Tom from the user centred design team in air quality reflect on meeting their users at the 2025 National Air Quality Conference.
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Tougher measures on political finance through the Representation of the People Bill
There has been widespread coverage on the introduction of the Representation of the People Bill introduced today. The Bill will mean foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections, as part …
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Why We Love the Civil Service
To mark Valentine’s Day (14 February), civil servants reveal what really makes their hearts beat a little faster at work: from the small everyday wins to big reasons to stay, these are the stories our staff are proud to love! …
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From commitment to action: BBNJ Act receives Royal Assent
Today the BBNJ Bill received Royal Assent, and is now an Act, which brings us another step closer towards the UK ratifying the Agreement. Read this post to find out more about what this means.
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Our investment in future talent: how apprenticeships create opportunity, capability, and resilience for our sector and communities
Nic Westcott, Chief People Officer, on why National Apprenticeship Week matters for Sellafield Ltd and our communities
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T-Level Thursday - gaining experience whilst bringing new skills and perspectives
To mark T-Level Thursday as part of National Apprenticeship Week, we talk about the mutual benefits that are gained from hosting a T-Level student on industry placement. For the GFIE Team, a large part of our purpose is to break …
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Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition: Spotlight on The Cayman Islands - Part 1
In this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to explore what makes the Cayman Islands’ marine habitats so distinctive, the challenges they face, and the innovative steps being taken to protect them.
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Elusennau ac ymgyrchu: myfyrdodau cyn yr etholiad i’r Senedd ac etholiadau lleol
Mae’r cynnwys hwn hefyd ar gael yn Saesneg / English. Bydd pobl ledled Cymru a Lloegr yn mynd i'r polau unwaith eto ym mis Mai gan fod yr etholiad i’r Senedd ac etholiadau lleol ar y gorwel. Bydd llawer o …
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Explainer: Everything you need to know about changes to elections and voting
Big changes are coming to the way elections work – and a once-in-a-generation change will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to get involved in democracy across the UK for the first time in history. What’s changing? 👩🎓 Young people get to vote – 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK are finally being given the right …
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A new evaluator role to support modern digital government
Discover the new Digital Evaluator role! Learn how it ensures accountability, value for money, and continuous improvement in UK government digital projects.
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What happens when your product goes viral? Lessons from My Salah Mat
Going viral is every entrepreneur’s dream… until it isn’t. Just ask My Salah Mat founder Kamal Ali, the world’s first interactive prayer mat for children.
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Initial teacher education 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 initial teacher education (ITE) providers to answer your questions. We’re publishing the most frequently asked questions below, so you …