8018posts
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Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2025 flu vaccine
As we approach autumn, it's nearly time for people with certain long-term health conditions to be booked in for their free flu jab. Individuals with these conditions are at risk of more severe outcomes if they catch flu. If you're eligible, you need to know why it matters that you take up the offer.
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Bridging university and career: Lessons from a placement year
Hafren Thomas reflects on her transformative placement year as an Environmental Impact Assessment Advisor at the Planning Inspectorate. From hands-on experience with planning appeals to navigating hybrid working, discover how her year in government helped bridge the gap between academic study and career aspirations.
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Elevating UK space ventures: Applications open for business accelerator
The UK Space Agency Accelerator has launched new cohorts of its Geo and Fusion: Connect with Capital programmes, designed to help space businesses secure investment, and accelerate commercial growth.
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Building a better driving test booking system
Learn more about our latest developments to create a new booking service for driving tests, including a recap of the work so far and looking ahead to next steps.
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The Land Registration Academy – shaping the future of our caseworkers
Jeff Saunders, our Head of Service Delivery – People, Strategic Improvement & Planning, explores how our award-winning in-house training programme is helping to shape, develop and expand our casework capability and the impact it’s had on organisational performance.
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Coming soon: Over £12 million to fund farm innovation
I’m pleased to let you know that 2 new competition rounds will open this autumn through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). The competitions offer research groups alongside farmers, growers and foresters the chance to test and develop ideas that could improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
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Why access and inclusion matter in our protected landscapes
By Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England Earlier this month I had the pleasure of visiting Dartmoor National Park and meeting the inspiring Kats Koster-Shadbolt, winner of last year’s New Perspective Award at the Campaign for National Parks’ National …
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Wanted: School governors with procurement expertise
Wendy Burdon is a primary school governor and works for the DfE's Schools Commercial Innovation and Development Team. She explains why more procurement professionals are needed as governors.
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Get paid on time and free your mind to focus on business growth
In this guest blog post, Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner, discusses the impact of late payments on small businesses and how the Office of the Small Business Commissioner is helping.
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What you need to know about the Emergency Alerts test on 7 September
The government will be testing the Emergency Alerts system this Sunday, and your phone is likely to make a loud noise even if it's on silent. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening and why.
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Court of Appeal confirms key leaseholder protections under Building Safety Act
Two significant judgments from the Court of Appeal have confirmed that key provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) apply retrospectively. This means that leaseholders are protected from having to pay to fix safety issues in their building, …
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DHSC Skills record / Working in Care Alpha Reassessment
Read about the alpha reassessment on Skills record/working in care from DHSC.
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5 Fascinating Facts about OPSS
The OPSS plays a vital role in ensuring everyday products meet UK safety standards. Discover 5 intriguing facts that highlight the breadth and impact of its work.
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Roundup of OPSS Vacancies
Join our mission to empower UK businesses and protect consumers, all while thriving in a workplace built on collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
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UKHSA Report a Notifiable Disease Beta Assessment
Read the beta assessment report for Report a notifiable disease from UKHSA.
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World Water Week 2025
From left, Rob Bradburne and John Leyland at the UK Pavilion stand before leading their session on Collaboration in Action. This week marked World Water Week, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in Sweden. Our very own Executive …
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Landscape Recovery: first projects move into delivery phase
Landscape Recovery is entering a new phase, with two pioneering projects starting long-term delivery on the ground. They show how farming, nature and rural communities can thrive together, supporting the government’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient farming system in England.
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Coverage of the Rogue Landlord report
There has been media coverage today on a new report called the ‘Rogue Landlord’ published by law firm, Duncan Lewis. The report has detailed various ways tenants are being exploited by landlords through dangerous hazards in residences, abuse, and threats …
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American Lobster reported along the Sussex Coast
We have had another recent report of a non-native lobster (American lobster - Homarus americanus) brought up in a pot on the Sussex coast near Shoreham. This also follows previous sightings of Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Brighton. In …
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Behind the scenes at Bristol Crown Court: Keeping justice moving
A day in the life of the dedicated operational colleagues who ensure the smooth running of one of England's busiest Crown Courts.
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Understanding outcome summaries
We want to make sure children have the best start in life. As part of this, we regulate early years providers to make sure they’re providing safe and secure environments for children to develop and learn in. This means making …
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How we’re tackling MOT fraud
The MOT test sits at the heart of DVSA's mission to keep Britain's roads safer for everyone.
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South West Marine Ecosystems 2024 – Marine Planning Contribution
Ellie and Mae, Coastal Planners for the South West Marine Plan areas have recently contributed to the marine planning section of the South West Marine Ecosystems (SWME) 2024 report, published in July. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of …
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Spotlight on MPA marine habitats: From Subtidal Sand to Deep-Sea Bed
We’re diving into some of the less well known but ecologically vital marine habitats found in England’s offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This includes subtidal sand, mud, sediment, and deep-sea bed. While these habitats may not have the visual appeal …
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Women in Fisheries, FMPs and the power of inclusive voices
Defra and Women in Fisheries explore how inclusive voices can shape the future of fisheries through better understanding of FMPs.
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London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) celebrate their King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainability
Credit: Nick Corlett, Sustainability Manager at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) How did you hear about The King’s Awards for Enterprise? We’ve long admired the prestige and purpose of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. As a social …
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Easement entries in the register of title: promoting consistency
We are improving the description of easements in title registers to ensure greater consistency, clarity and accuracy for all users.
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How user research is shaping the future of EPCs
Energy performance certificates (EPCs) help people understand how energy efficient their buildings are and what they can do to improve it. They’re used by landlords, renters and buyers, homeowners but also by policy teams. Find out how we’re applying user research and user-centred design principles to redesign the EPC, to better meet user needs.
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Come and meet us at the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo
Next month we are taking part in the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo at Birmingham NEC on 17-18 September. You will be able to meet us on our exhibition stand in Hall 19 (Recycling Services Section) stand RS-E144 where our …
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Join our user research panel
Good design starts with listening, which is why we are encouraging farmers in England to join Defra’s Farming and Countryside user research panel.
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Runners and Riders: the tech race to 2050
The Net Zero Technology Outlook is a newly published report from GO-Science. It is a spotlight on technological progress and trajectories in the high-emitting sectors of our economy, informed by experts inside and outside Government. Since the Climate Change Act …
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Top tips for observing research sessions ethically
This blog provides guidelines and tips for observing user research sessions ethically. It emphasises the importance of respecting participants and maintaining the integrity of the research process.
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An evolving charity sector
It often surprises people when I tell them that, after 16 years in this role, I still see something new in the charity sector every single week. Charitable status carries such an important role in our society, and is a …
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Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation
In June we opened a consultation on the Fair Funding Review 2.0 which set out our proposals to fix the outdated way local authorities are funded to make it fairer and fit for the future, so local leaders can deliver …
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Woods and water for climate change
Chris Waterfield, Carbon and Water Woodland Advisor, explores how woodlands and water work together in our fight against climate change during this year’s #WorldWaterWeek.
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Strengthening Ties with Ports and Harbours: better data, better engagement
The recent spotlight for coastal planner engagement has been on ports and harbours over the last few months, with the aim of improving our engagement with stakeholders and collecting important data. The Coastal Planners initially focused on Statutory Harbour Authorities …
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Cleaning Up Scarborough South Bay: A Complex Challenge
Scarborough South Bay and its beach are one of England’s best-loved seaside destinations. Families, holidaymakers and locals all flock to its sandy shores each summer. But behind the scenes, the Environment Agency (EA) is leading a major effort with partners …
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Tackling the “Silent Pandemic” – UK’s FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Reference Centre leads Singapore workshop
As part of the UK’s FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Cefas recently co-delivered a five-day workshop on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) for bacterial pathogens relevant to aquatic organisms, together with the UK’s Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA), the …
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Dive into FMPs: who are the experts delivering Defra’s plans
Collaboration is at the heart of Defra’s FMPs and a range of people and organisations play crucial roles. Take a look into the experts delivering FMPs in this post.
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Why we built a user research manual (and why it matters more than you think)
Jason Stockwell, Research Operations, reflects on the work done to develop a user research manual for Defra and the importance of consistency across user research.