9945posts
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The importance of accurate GTIN and 2D barcode data in the modern healthcare environment
The use of automation in healthcare is helping transform how patient care is delivered and robotic dispensing systems and barcode verification are now widespread amongst pharmacy operations across both primary and secondary environments, aiming to reduce human error and improve …
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Routes to overseas markets and the role of agri-food attachés
Defra’s network of agri-food attachés helps UK farmers and food producers get their products onto international shelves and grow their businesses overseas. In this post, we explain what they do and include links for those looking to expand their international sales and find the best markets for their products.
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Testing new planning data specifications with industry: 5 pilot partnerships paving the way
Modernising planning relies on standardised data that enables digital systems to communicate effectively. The Digital Planning programme is funding 5 pilot projects with local authorities and software suppliers to test emerging data standards for planning applications. Read about how these partnerships will help create more transparent and efficient planning services across England.
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Strengthening climate resilience across the UK Overseas Territories
With oceans and biodiversity high on the agenda at COP30 in Belém this week, the vital role that marine ecosystems play in both tackling and adapting to climate change — especially for smaller islands and territories — is gaining increasing attention. A key part of the Blue Belt Programme's work is partnering with the UK …
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How MHCLG is Delivering for the British Public
In the first of our new series spotlighting civil servants driving the government’s Plan for Change, we meet the woman tasked with delivering more homes than Britain has built in half a century. Joanna Key of Ministry of Housing, Communities …
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What our external data discovery taught us about data processing, sharing and retention
Some of the insights and opportunities we uncovered that are critical to how we use data at DBT.
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Leading the way: National Estate for Nature agrees shared objectives to accelerate nature recovery
The National Estate for Nature group has taken an important step forward in its mission to drive nature recovery across England’s major estates. Read this post to find out more.
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Launch of ‘East Marine Plan development engagement’ summary report
The Marine Planning Team have published the ‘East Marine Plan development engagement summary report’ concluding this period of engagement. What does the report say? The report details stakeholder insights on drafted plan policies and spatial prescription opportunities for the East …
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Accelerating Investment Export Pathway: Supporting UK Space SMEs Reach Global Markets
The UK Space Agency has launched the Accelerating Investment Export Pathway, a new pilot programme designed to help early-stage space businesses prepare for international growth and become export-ready.
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Help beat the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle through proactive woodland management
Fred Toft is the Forestry Commission’s Ips typographus Programme Lead within the Plant Health Forestry team. Fred shares insights into the collaborative work happening to help manage this pest, and what you can do to help.
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Reflections on the Role of Social Workers in Safeguarding Adults
Introduction by Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults As we welcome the start of Safeguarding Adults Week, I am delighted that Adi Cooper has accepted our invitation to write this blog and share some of her valuable reflections on one …
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Antimicrobial Resistance and food: What it is and why it matters
Cymraeg Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, but what happens when they stop working? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat and it’s not just a hospital problem; it’s also on our plates. This week is World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), an annual event promoted by the World …
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Mission Moment: From £1 jabs and £50m breakthrough – how we’re delivering mission-led innovation
A Deputy Director at the Office for Life Sciences explains why getting proven treatments to patients can matter just as much as funding cutting-edge research, and how both approaches are delivering on the government's missions to grow the economy and …
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Shaping the future of public sector technology with the new Enterprise Architecture team
The new Enterprise Architecture team explains our aims and how you can get involved to help build the future of digital government.
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How HM Land Registry works to protect property owners
An understanding and awareness of property and title fraud, and how to guard against them, is critical in supporting our frontline defences as well as the wider public and business sectors – not just on the 25th anniversary of International Fraud Awareness Week but at all times.
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Driving better road fuel prices for consumers
How the CMA proposes to approach its role of enforcing compliance with Fuel Finder.
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Unlocking Coastal Carbon Potential: Collaborative Research on Saltmarsh, Kelp, and Seabed Carbon under the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership
As world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, this week for the UN Climate Change Conference COP30, the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change is once again under the spotlight.
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How the new Writing Framework can transform primary school teaching
Sam Creighton talks about building a writing curriculum based on meaningful projects. Children learn specific writing skills while keeping the joy and pride that comes from creating their work.
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Protecting the future: APHA’s fight against antimicrobial resistance
When medicines fail, lives hang in the balance. APHA is a leading force in the UK’s fight against antimicrobial resistance, driving action through surveillance, research, and the National Action Plan.
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UK NSC consults on bladder cancer screening evidence
The UK NSC has opened a public consultation on evidence relation to population screening for bladder cancer.
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How nature and nuclear can co-exist
By Sean Mahoney, Sizewell C Project Manager and Senior Officer, Major Planning Casework A collaborative approach has delivered environmental protections alongside energy security at Sizewell C nuclear power station. Natural England has worked closely with Sizewell C and environmental stakeholders …
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Ofsted: explore an area
Ofsted has a unique perspective on the various places that children and learners experience. We gain this through our inspections of schools and further education and skills providers, and through our additional powers as the regulator of children’s social care …
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Fish, Trace, Ship: Why processing statements will soon matter to you
Many in the fishing industry are aware that EU IUU regulatory changes are on the horizon. But one crucial component of these changes requires more attention: processing statements. From 10 January 2026, far more businesses will need them than ever …
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Pupil Premium success: building effective school systems
Manchester Enterprise Academy's disadvantaged pupils are thriving and exceeding national benchmarks. Principal Emily Reynard shares their successful whole-school approach to inclusion.
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Coverage of the Renters' Rights Act implementation roadmap
Following the Renters’ Rights Act which recently passed in law, the timeline for implementing these new legal protections has been published today, giving time for landlords and letting agents to deliver these changes for their tenants. The roadmap sets out …
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Consultation opens on population screening for cytomegalovirus
The UK NSC has opened a consultation on evidence relating to antenatal and newborn screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV).
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Programme Officer Training – a reflection
Inspector manager Louise Gibbons talks about the most recent programme officer training offered by the Planning Inspectorate, and the importance of the role within the local plans examination process.
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Mission Moments: How comms officer Ellie helped deliver a £10bn win for Britain
When Communications Officer Ellie Genower only got notice of a posting to Oslo with just three weeks to prepare, she couldn’t have anticipated the scale of what lay ahead. But her work proved crucial in helping to secure the biggest …
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We’re consulting on designs IP law – why should you respond?
Time is ticking! The government’s consultation on changes to the UK designs framework closes on 27 November and we’re on a mission to reach out to designers across the UK and find out how you think the UK designs system could work better for you.
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How we are building a more connected content community at Defra
Lauren Stewart, Lead Content Designer, Farming, on behalf of the content design community and wellbeing working group. The Defra content design community wants to be a welcoming, inclusive, and fun place to work. A community that knows and supports each …
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Celebrating 25 Years of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – and 20 Years of Public Access Rights
By David Drake, People and Nature Director This year marks a double milestone in the history of outdoor access in England and Wales: 25 years since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) was passed, and 20 …
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Venturing Beyond the Reef: The Blue Belt Programme’s First Caribbean Expedition
In January 2026, the Blue Belt Programme will set sail from the Dominican Republic to the Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This is the first expedition to the Caribbean in the 10-year history of the …
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Shop smart, bag a bargain – a consumer expert’s guide to online shopping
Quick tips to help you shop confidently online, find the best deal and avoid being misled.
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Open-sourcing elements of NUAR
NUAR has taken a highly cautious approach to open-sourcing due to the security impacts it could have. We’ve been making good progress on selectively open-sourcing some elements and artefacts from the programme though, and this blog describes that initiative. Security has always been at the heart of the delivery …
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Building trust through independent, accredited conformity assessment
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has granted accreditation to Kantara Initiative; making it the first UKAS-accredited conformity assessment body (CAB) certifying under the UK government’s Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework.
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Finding my professional home: Henrietta’s journey into the Operational Delivery Profession
Henrietta Ozono-Okeri, a passionate operational delivery professional from Nigeria, tells us about her journey into a new country, career and professional culture.
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The Local Deprivation Explorer: Making deprivation data easier to find, understand and use
The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) rank more than 33,000 neighbourhoods across England by levels of deprivation. Read about the new site that we’ve built that makes this vital data easier to explore, understand and use – through postcode-based area summaries and interactive maps.
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RPA to start making Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) payments from December
We announced an increase to the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) payment rates in May 2025. In this blog we provide a reminder of how you can estimate the value of your options and let you know when you'll receive your …
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UK NSC consults on evidence related to screening for antenatal and postnatal mental health conditions
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a consultation on evidence relating to population screening for antenatal and postnatal mental health conditions.
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How well will I be protected from flu this year with the current UK influenza vaccines?
Every winter, influenza viruses sweep through communities, causing a seasonal epidemic. There are several different flu vaccines that are used in the national vaccination programme and all of them protect against the 3 main flu virus types: influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B.