9583posts
-
Nature Restoration Fund: early information for nature markets and the wider sector
Today we’ve published the Nature Restoration Fund Implementation Plan. This post provides an overview of how the Nature Restoration Fund will work for nature markets and the wider sector.
-
Putting Further Education teachers at the heart of the design process
Policymakers and designers collaborate on improving education services.
-
Law changes strengthen protection for livestock
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent today, strengthening legal protections for farmers against livestock worrying.
-
The JNCC and Blue Belt: Strengthening UK marine conservation through scientific partnership
After years of collaboration, the Blue Belt Programme is delighted to welcome the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as an Associate Partner. The partnership brings together world-leading expertise in marine conservation and natural resource management.
-
From Christmas trees to construction materials: ORNA and circular innovation
Every year, millions of Christmas trees end up as waste – but ORNA® is changing that. Founded by Hugo Knox, the start-up transforms festive tree waste into sustainable construction materials, backed by patent-pending technology and trade mark protection. It’s a circular model where innovation and IP drive impact.
-
Building trust in data and AI: the new Data and AI Ethics Framework and self-assessment tool
The Responsible Data and AI team has launched an updated Data and AI Ethics Framework and self-assessment tool to help public sector teams innovate responsibly.
-
Farming Profitability Review: recommendations published
The Farming Profitability Review 2025, an independent review led by Baroness Minette Batters, has been published.
-
UK Space Agency Christmas Card Design Competition winners revealed 🎅
We are delighted to announce the winners of the UK Space Agency’s 2025 Christmas Card Design Competition. This year, we were overwhelmed by the creativity and passion shown by people inspired by the theme of space sustainability.
-
Building clean energy while our seas flourish: introducing the Marine Recovery Fund
Today, we’ve launched the new Marine Recovery Fund, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between clean energy development and environmental protection. Offshore wind development does not have to come at the expense of nature. Read this post to find out more.
-
Coverage of our major consultation to the National Planning Policy Framework
Yesterday, we launched a major consultation on a revamped National Planning Policy Framework – the most significant rewrite of planning rules in over a decade – to accelerate the delivery of 1.5 million homes this Parliament. The reforms will unlock new jobs, infrastructure, and clean energy, while …
-
How the MMRV protects against 4 potentially serious illnesses, including measles and chickenpox
This blog post was last checked and updated February 2026. Due to the introduction of a varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme, the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine replaced the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood programme from the 1 …
-
Completing your MOT training and assessment
The 31 March deadline for MOT Training and Assessment is approaching. Here's what you need to know to get it done.
-
Introducing the Ministry of Justice Engineering AI Governance Framework
AI is transforming how we build digital services. Tools like GitHub Copilot help our teams write code faster and solve problems more efficiently. However, using AI well means using it responsibly. We have recently published the Ministry of Justice’s Engineering …
-
Coverage of independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics
There has been widespread media coverage of the launch of an independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics. The review was launched in the House of Commons yesterday by the Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and will be led …
-
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.
-
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.
-
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. …
-
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.
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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, …
-
Why human behaviour is the real cyber battleground
How cyber awareness is about transforming DBT's culture, not just ticking boxes.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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, …
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 …