8055posts
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How to deal with property using a power of attorney
This guide explains how powers of attorney work for property transactions and what HM Land Registry needs when registering property transfers. It covers different types of powers of attorney, how they're created and used, and special rules for gifts and undervalued sales.
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Update on the next FSA Board meeting
Cymraeg I hope you’ve had a good summer. For the FSA it’s been a busy few weeks since our last update to stakeholders, with some welcome announcements on our work to regulate the CBD market and the on-going fight against food crime. At …
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Why you should use AI coding assistants in the public sector
GDS has led a cross-government trial of AI coding assistants and developed practical guidance to help public sector organisations build strong, evidence-based business cases for procuring these innovative tools.
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Nuclear apprentices reflect on Parliamentary 20th anniversary event
Three apprentices from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) had the privilege of attending a prestigious Parliamentary event marking 20 years of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group; two decades of innovation, collaboration, and progress in nuclear decommissioning. Hosted by Sir Lindsay …
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Registering and inspecting school-based early years provision: what the updated guidance means for you
In this blog, we take you through the changes we’ve made to our guidance on registering and inspecting school-based provision to reflect how we are seeing early years or childcare provision being delivered. Our updated guidance offers clearer definitions and …
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Product managing the design of sustainable services; an odyssey
Product manager Lucy Stewart reflects on her experience of designing sustainable services, and identifies where product managers can influence how and where we consider environmental impact as we deliver digital products.
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An update on FETF grant funding agreements
We’re now starting to issue grant funding agreements (GFAs) to successful applicants under the productivity and slurry themes. If your application is successful, you will soon receive an email with your GFA.
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How to assess whether your service is ethical
Here at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), myself and a group of User Centred Design professionals have been exploring how to make ethics a practical part of the design process. As designers our job is to make sure our services …
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Accelerating Development and Nature Recovery: A Natural England Perspective on the Nature Restoration Fund
Natural England welcomes the Government’s commitment to reform the planning system in such a way that it delivers sustainable development while unlocking new and more joined-up opportunities for nature’s recovery. Bradley Tooze, Strategy Director at Natural England, outlines Natural England’s …
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Reaching the global final – what a Thiess Riverprize nomination means for nature recovery
By Helen Kirkby, NE Deputy Director for Cumbria Last night in Brisbane, the Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme didn't win the Thiess International Riverprize, but reaching the final alongside projects from Chicago, Albania and the western USA represents something extraordinary …
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A Day in the Life of a… Grants Professional
We caught up with Suzanne Anderson, Commercial Grants Lead in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to learn more about what being a Grants Manager really entails. All across the Civil Service, talented colleagues in specialised roles are working …
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An update on CSHT and our annual report
The Farming and Countryside Programme’s annual report is out, highlighting how funding has helped farmers, foresters, and land managers support nature, sustainable food, and innovation. In addition to this, guidance for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications is available, with the online service opening next week for invited applicants who have completed pre-application advice.
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Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Expanded Offer for 2024: understanding the rotational actions declaration
There are some actions in the SFI 2024 which are ‘rotational’. As explained in the SFI scheme information, in the second or third year of an SFI agreement, you can: *Some customers of the SFI re-opened offer will not be able …
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From daunting to demystified: The evolution of Service Assessments in DBT
What started as a formal requirement has evolved into a more collaborative, human, and forward-thinking process. It is about helping teams build better services, not just pass a test.
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Protecting Atlantic salmon: collaborating to conserve threatened stocks
The Environment Agency has published the latest Atlantic salmon stock assessment for England, providing insights into the health of our salmon populations. The results, based on 2024 data, confirm that salmon stocks remain at critically low levels, underscoring the urgent …
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Using data brokers as authoritative sources under GPG 45
Digital verification services sometimes want to use “data brokers” for this purpose and we’ve been asked how they should be treated.
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Self-Care Week 2025 is coming
National Self-Care Week (17-23 November 2025) is a campaign designed to inspire and empower people to take charge of their own physical and mental wellbeing. Led by the Self Care Forum, it’s an awareness week that everyone can get involved in.
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Beyond literacy: why reading matters to strengthen bonds and relationships
To celebrate International Literacy Day on 8 September 2025, Annie Crombie from BookTrust talks about the importance of reading. The Department for Education is looking forward to National Year of Reading (2026) as the value of reading for pleasure can't …
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Beyond the award: How eSIMs saved £6 million and cut carbon emissions by 99%
Lydia Tabbron, Digital Sustainability Lead, shares how designing digital services with sustainability at their heart can lead to solutions that are more efficient, more cost-effective, and better for users.
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New courses on accessibility and user research – now live on FutureLearn!
Government Digital Service is pleased to announce the launch of two new, free-to-access courses on user research and accessibility on FutureLearn! Read on to find out how you can join.
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Outreach in Action: Career conversations to inspire young minds into data and digital
Inspiring young minds in digital careers: How our Civil Service outreach at Wendell Park Primary transformed pupil perceptions of data and digital roles.
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Exciting opportunities to join UK NSC expert groups
The UK NSC has 15 vacancies to fill on 3 of its expert advisory groups.
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Saving Lives Through Medical Excellence: The Critical Role of Our Medics
Brigadier Chris Wright, Head Medical Operations and Capability, Defence Medical Services Our people are the lifeblood of CSOC – a dedicated force of 26,000 specialists stationed at over 130 sites worldwide. From cyber warriors and medics to intelligence analysts, special …
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The Protected Landscapes Partnership: working together for nature, people and climate
Our Protected Landscapes aren’t just lines on a map or signs at the side of the road. Each Protected Landscape has a dedicated team behind it who are experts in their local area and both national and international collaboration. In this post, find out more about the Protected Landscapes Partnership and how you can get …
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Helping government to understand the technologies of the future
Technology development has the potential to surprise even the most astute of experts. With emerging technologies evolving so rapidly, how do we make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to understanding them? A challenge that …
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The Human Firewall: Building Britain’s Cyber Defenders
Corporal Rhys, Cyber Operator, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command Our people are the lifeblood of CSOC – a dedicated force of 26,000 specialists stationed at over 130 sites worldwide. From cyber warriors and medics to intelligence analysts, special forces, educators, …
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The Rural Payments Agency Podcast: Episode 13
Welcome to the thirteenth episode of The RPA Podcast. In our latest episode, we discuss the videos produced by RPA to provide farmers with helpful information about what to expect from Field Officer visits, as well as better understand schemes, …
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In-service evaluation in screening programmes
The UK NSC evidence review process guidance has been updated with an expanded definition of in-service evaluation.
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What happens when you apply to join the register of digital identity and attribute services
Getting onto the GOV.UK register of digital identity and attribute services is not an automatic process. It can take up to 20 working days for your service to appear on the register.
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Designing and Delivering Woody Habitats to aid Nature Recovery: Six Principles for Success.
By Alisa Swanson, Natural England Creating new woody habitats, whether woodlands, scrub, wood pasture, wooded meadows or wet woodlands, can play a vital role in reversing biodiversity loss and building climate resilience across England’s landscapes. Natural England’s ambition is to …
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Prime Minister's letter to parents and carers on Best Start in Life
Dear Parent/Carer, Across England, millions of children and families are beginning a new school year. As a father of two, I know well the pride and joy of watching your children grow up. But I also understand how juggling parenthood, …
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HMCTS is accelerating the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the courts and tribunals
We’re transforming how we deliver justice through the strategic and responsible adoption of AI. As we continue to modernise the courts and tribunals, we're exploring how AI can support better outcomes for users.
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Finding out more about residential family centres
Residential family centres (RFCs) are establishments where vulnerable families are given accommodation, their capacity to parent safely and effectively is assessed, and they can be given the advice, guidance or counselling they need. RFCs are designed to contribute to the …
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Managing the impacts of drought in the Midlands
What is the situation in England? Drought was declared in the West and East Midlands on 15 July, joining the North-West and Yorkshire which went into drought in June. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water …
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Back to school: Tips to help your child feel prepared and supported
With the summer holidays coming to an end, going back to school can be daunting for some young people. Starting a new school or beginning a new school year can come with feelings of stress and anxiety.
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Asylum and immigration – briefing note
This briefing note was issued following the Home Secretary's Oral Statement on 1 September to aid reporting. UK-France Treaty International Cooperation Returns & Enforcement National Crime Agency Legislation Asylum System Reforms Asylum Accommodation Refugee Family Reunion
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ReAgent, a family-run chemical manufacturing company, celebrate their King's Award for Enterprise
How did you hear about The King’s Awards for Enterprise? We’ve known about the King’s Awards for many years as they’re widely recognised as the UK’s highest honour for business. Why did you apply for the Awards? We applied to …
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Talking farming, face to face
In this post, we share how the Farming and Countryside Programme is talking and listening to farmers across the country – and where you can meet us at upcoming events to share your experiences and thoughts first-hand.
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First astronaut with a disability learns to fly
John McFall, who could become the world's first astronaut to be assigned to a long duration mission with a physical disability, is training to fly as part of his preparation for a ground-breaking space mission.
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Reflections on the consultation for the Charities SORP 2026 from the Charities SORP-making body
The Charities SORP-making body (SMB)[1] would like to start by extending a sincere thanks to the nearly 150 individuals and organisations who took the time to share their views during our recent consultation phase. We are working to analyse your …