9583posts
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National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – Exploring T Levels
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is in full swing and today is T Level Thursday – a chance to explore what T Levels can offer you. T Levels have been designed in partnership with leading businesses to offer recognised qualifications providing …
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Protecting our water: A day in the life of an Environmental Crime Officer
The Environment Agency announced it has assembled its largest ever workforce for tackling water pollution - expanding it by almost fivefold from 41 roles in 2023 to 184 in 2026, with a further increase planned in 2027.
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New Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal
The Department for Education (DfE) today (11 February 2026) published its Education Estates Strategy backed by a 10-year plan of national renewal for schools and colleges in England. The strategy sets out the government’s clear long-term vision for the education …
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ReSCUE takes flight: Survey campaign to address gaps in seabird flight height data.
By Rachel Mewes – Marine Ornithology Specialist and ReSCUE Project Support, Eddie Cole – ReSCUE Project Lead and Andrew Harwood – Senior Marine Ornithology Specialist and ReSCUE Technical Lead Offshore wind expansion is critical to the UK government’s ambitions to …
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Wisdom from women in nuclear: advice for women and girls in science
To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we asked some of our female leaders from across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group to share their advice for a female apprentice starting out in the nuclear industry. Here’s …
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Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project begins work on the ground
We’re pleased to share that the Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project is ready to move from planning to delivery.
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The National Landscapes Association: Your Natural Partner, championing nature, people and place
For 70 years, National Landscapes have delivered for nature and communities through collaboration and stewardship. They are spaces where people and nature thrive together, providing vital ecosystem services that sustain economies, tourism, wildlife, and recreation. I’m Hannah Wilcox-Brooke, Head of Nature based solutions at the National Landscapes Association, and in this post I’m excited to tell you about some of our work.
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Evenlode Landscape Recovery Scheme: Celebrating partnership working
At the Environment Agency, nature is key to what we do. It’s our job to protect and enhance the environment, enabling nature’s recovery whilst contributing to sustainable growth, with an ambition for climate resilience and healthy air, land and water. We can't do this alone - partnership is at the heart of how we work.
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On the bench: Why magistrates matter
Nick walks us through the reality of being a magistrate, working as a team, supported by a legal adviser and making decisions that genuinely improve lives. He shares how his employers have supported him, the skills he's brought back to his day job, and why anyone aged 18-74 should consider applying.
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I am not a medic, but my title is "Dr."
Marking International Day of Women and Girls in Science, APHA Lead Scientist Dr Choudhury shares her journey into research.
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The business case for independent scrutiny
This is the second post in our series on "Why the RPC matters" explaining the importance of our independent scrutiny.
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From apprentice to social media manager: my journey through government communications
At school I knew I did not want to take the university path but was unsure where else my future could take me. I spent a couple of years in primary schools training to be a teaching assistant after I finished sixth form, then I did a brief …
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London Vet Show 2025 - Showcasing exciting opportunities
Late November marked the annual London Vet Show, a huge event in the veterinary calendar when professionals, students, industry, charities, and academia come together to learn, exchange ideas, network and socialise. Government Veterinary Services (GVS) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA shared an exhibitor stand …
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Windermere: working together for cleaner water
Andy Brown, Northwest Water Regulation Manager, explains how regulation is driving real improvements to water quality in Windermere, Cumbria.
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Impact of the amended CIR 520/2012 to UK authorised products
From 12 February 2026, amendments to the EU Commission Implementing Regulation (CIR) 520/2012 come into effect. While the UK operates an independent regulatory system, these changes have practical implications for some UK-authorised products, particularly in relation to pharmacovigilance (PV) requirements. …
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Using geospatial technology procured through the Space Technology Solutions Market
Geospatial technology at the heart of public services Geospatial data plays a critical role in how government understands and manages place. From monitoring environmental change and planning infrastructure, to responding to emergencies and managing public assets, location-based insight helps teams …
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Coverage of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement
This week we made available around £78 billion for English councils through the Final Local Government Finance Settlement. The Settlement brings the total new investment in local services to more than £5.6 billion over the next three years and also provides an additional £740 million since the Provisional Settlement …
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Hands-on progress: Jamie Fowler’s role in advancing the NDA mission at Hunterston A
I am in my third year of the Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) apprenticeship scheme, in which I am training to be a qualified Electrical Maintenance Technician at the Hunterston A site, in Ayrshire, Scotland. During my time at Hunterston A, …
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Improving the way Apple and Google deliver app store services and enhancing iOS interoperability in the UK
How Apple and Google are proposing to address our concerns about their app store processes.
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Secure by Design: how automation is strengthening data assurance across government
Discover how GDS is using automation and secure design to improve how the government collects and analyses security assurance data.
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FSA supports trade in recycled plastics for food packaging
Cymraeg The impact that food production has on the environment is well documented. Whether it’s concerns around carbon emissions, food waste, or bio-diversity loss, there are clear warning signs that the world needs to move to a more sustainable supply …
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Consultations open for final four Defra-led FMPs
Consultations are now live. Find out what’s proposed, share your views and get involved at upcoming events
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Charities and campaigning: reflections ahead of the Senedd and local elections
This content is also offered in Welsh / Cymraeg. People across England and Wales will be going to the polls once again in May as the Senedd and local elections are on the horizon. Many charities will be preparing for …
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IPBES12: reflections on bringing the world together for nature in Manchester
Last week, the UK hosted IPBES12 in Manchester, bringing together the world's leading scientists and policymakers to tackle one of the defining challenges of our time – halting the loss of nature. It proved to be the largest IPBES meeting ever, with over 900 delegates attending in person. Read this post to find out more on Ruth …
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From Parity to Policy: The Northern Ireland Approach to Social Security
The role of the Northern Ireland member of the Social Security Advisory Committee is twofold. First, to contribute to the Committee’s work in general including scrutinising regulations, involvement in the independent research work and wider engagement with stakeholders. Second, to …
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Hinkley Point C - Supporting Sustainable Growth and Restoring the Severn Estuary
By Dave Slater, NE Regional Director for the South West Hinkley Point C will be the UK's largest nuclear power station, providing low-carbon energy to millions of homes. But building it in the Severn Estuary, one of Britain's most important …
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DVSA’s digital year in review: building better services
As we step into 2026, it's a fitting time to reflect on the progress made by our digital teams at DVSA last year. In this blog, Becky Thomas, Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO), shares some of the standout digital achievements from 2025.
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How breaking the routine fuels fresh ideas and delivers value
Every 3 months, DBT Digital, Data and Technology colleagues are free to pause routine work to test fresh ideas. They gain insight, build skills and deliver improvements for colleagues, the public and the wider digital community.
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A survey for the tenant farming sector
The Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector, Alan Laidlaw, and his team have launched a short survey to gather views on awareness of his role and the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.
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Progressing my senior developer career with an apprenticeship
It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – a chance to showcase the value of apprenticeships for both individuals and organisations. Apprenticeships aren't only for beginners or career changers – within MHCLG, we also provide them as an effective way for experienced specialists at all levels to grow professionally.
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Independent scrutiny – the foundation for growth
This is the first post in a new series on ‘Why the RPC matters’ from our Chair, Stephen Gibson, explaining the importance of our independent scrutiny.
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Professional Forester Apprenticeship: what you need to know
Applications have opened for joining our Professional Forester Apprenticeship this September. Programme Manager Gareth offers advice for anyone considering applying.
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Opening Doors with the DWP Social Mobility Apprenticeship
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week and embracing this year's theme of 'Skills for Life', we look at the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, and for the Civil Service by shining a spotlight on one of the GFiE Pathways …
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National Apprenticeship Week 2026 - How apprenticeships can kick start your career
This article was written by Will Hayman-Brown, a content creator apprentice at the Department for Education. National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has arrived, bringing together employers, training providers, and learners to celebrate apprenticeships and skills. It's also an opportunity to inspire …
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Beaver Update: Two new licensed wild release projects, more to follow!
By Stuart Otway – Principal Officer, Complex Licensing; Delphine Pouget - Principal Officer, Species Recovery & Reintroductions; Giles Wagstaff - Senior Officer, Complex Licensing; Amy Radford – Senior Officer, Species Recovery & Reintroductions Two newly licensed beaver projects will very …
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Stomach bugs: A brief guide to their causes and treatment
Gastrointestinal illness - the kind of illness that makes us feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea - affects people of all ages and is one of the most common health complaints in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most common health issues that people experience when travelling abroad.
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STEM Apprenticeship Pathway Guide
We are thrilled to introduce the new STEM Apprenticeship Pathway Guide – an accessible and visually rich resource designed to showcase the huge potential of STEM careers across government. This guide brings STEM apprenticeships to life. It demystifies what they …
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Coverage of Pride in Place expansion announcement
There has been some national and local media coverage of a major expansion of the Pride in Place scheme, announced by the government yesterday. The new package is worth up to £800 million, allowing 40 new areas across England to decide where to …
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Defra’s T Level pilot: investing in young people and building digital capability in government
Hermione Blake and Zoe Whitfield welcome a group of enthusiastic T Level students to explore government digital roles.
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Strengthening assessment without compromising quality, by Carmel Grant
In our December 2025 blog, Deputy Chief Executive Gemma Marsh set out why apprenticeship assessment reform matters – we explained how simplifying and strengthening assessment can better serve apprentices, employers and the wider skills system. Since then, we’ve moved into …