7815posts
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The Marine Spatial Planning Challenge Game
Used around the world by policy expert, decision makers and stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities of sustainably developing our oceans and seas. The interactive format of the game demonstrates the challenges and complexities of marine spatial planning. Credit: …
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Internal Marine Plan User Training Programme
In June and July, the marine planning team at the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) delivered a comprehensive training programme to enhance the understanding and use of marine plans in the organisation. This initiative aligns with the MMO's Corporate Plan and …
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Coastal Planner Corner
The MMO have marine planners based around the English coast. Their role is to engage with you for the development, implementation, and monitoring of marine plans. You can find out who your local coastal planner is and their contact details …
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Right to Buy coverage
It has been reported this morning that councils have spent more than £1 billion purchasing former Right to Buy properties since 2020. Right to Buy is an important route for council housing tenants to be able to own their home. …
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Inside the RPA: Leadership and Vision
In the first of a series of blogs from the Rural Payments Agency’s Customer Directorate, we feature video interviews with some of the key people whose roles are focussed on delivering and improving the services provided to customers. In the …
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School uniforms: Is your policy at risk of breaking the law?
School uniforms can give pupils a sense of identity and belonging to a community. But, for many families across the UK, buying school uniforms is a significant and unavoidable cost alongside the additional costs of childcare and entertainment during the …
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FiPL spotlight: improving water quality in the North York Moors
As part of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, managed locally by the North York Moors National Park Authority, funding has been allocated to several projects within Fryup Dale. In this post, the project team shares its work to improve water quality in the North York Moors, from wetland creation to enhancing farm infrastructure.
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How high is the risk of catching mpox and how can I protect myself?
In this blog post, we share more information about what mpox is, the different clades, the key symptoms and how UKHSA is working with partners to respond to the outbreak.
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We’ve still got a lot to learn about multi-cancer tests
Dr Jessica Lloyd and Dr Sowmiya Moorthie, of Cancer Research UK, discuss multi-cancer tests, their potential use in screening, their challenges and uncertainties.
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Response to coverage on the ‘March for Clean Water’
Today’s blog outlines the government’s response to recent coverage on the upcoming ‘March for Clean Water’.
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World-first project launched to track hedgehogs and reverse decline
In this post, Natural England Higher Officer Danielle Greaves, tells us about a world-first monitoring programme that launched this year to help track hedgehogs and reverse their decline.
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Supported accommodation – it can be right for some older children, but not for all
Ahead of inspections starting next month, Yvette Stanley gives an update on our registration work and sets out some ‘red lines’ when considering supported accommodation as an option for looked-after children and care leavers. Ofsted’s registration of supported accommodation providers …
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New mandatory bird registration: what do keepers need to know
Like microchipping for pet dogs (and cats if you live in England), new rules make it a legal requirement for everyone in Great Britain who keeps birds to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Keepers must register …
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Inside BFSAI: HMS FORTH Officer of the Watch
HMS FORTH is the first of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). Beginning service in 2018, she is a leading maritime security asset in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI). Her remit offers reassurance and protection in the Falkland Islands. …
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DataConnect is back this September
Learn more about DataConnect24 event taking place next month, from 23 to 27 September. The week-long event will bring together UK public sector data leaders, academics, innovative thinkers, data scientists, data engineers, and AI specialists. The agenda is now live.
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Meet the Unsung Heroes of the Networks Infrastructure Team
Networks infrastructure is part of the Digital Infrastructure and Security Operations team (DISO), which is responsible for the Network, Cloud, Cyber Security and Voice and Video Services across the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) estate. In this blog, three members of …
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RPA Grants Service team at shows and events
RPA’s Grants Service team have been attending numerous shows across the country this year, with more to come. They are encouraging farmers and businesses to meet them at the RPA stand to get advice on the grants available. In this …
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Implementation Challenges in Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning
Featuring: Dr. Mat Weldon - ONS Dr. Michael Fenton – Trūata Dr. Xiaowei Huang – University of Liverpool Dr. Yi Dong – University of Liverpool In this post, we talk with Dr. Xiaowei Huang and Dr. Yi Dong (University of …
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Agri-environment schemes work: Natural England’s latest findings
This month, Natural England published its annual report summarising projects of the Agri-Environment Scheme Monitoring & Evaluation Programme. In this guest post, Natural England’s Usha Waygood, Senior Officer in the Evidence Directorate, highlights some of the team’s findings from the report.
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Getting a head start on flu and other infections
The 18th century American philosopher, statesman and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin, famously said: “…in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” In the 21st century, we can add flu and covid infections to the list, so we need to be ready for them.
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GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system
Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education. Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, …
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Thriving Together: Nature and Community
Image: Natural England At the edge of Barrow-in-Furness, on the north-west coast of England, lies the island of Walney. A wild and windy landscape, it features some nationally rare and important habitats. It is linked to the much larger Morecambe …
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Marine Planning: Team changes and recruitment
We are excited to welcome three new team members to Marine Planning since our last update: Frances Procter – Senior Marine Planner (Natural Capital and Net Gain Lead) Emma Cooper – Marine Planner (Biodiversity and Habitat Lead) Char Lewis – …
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GAD’s work with the International Social Security Association
We work with the International Social Security Association (ISSA). In this blog, GAD Senior Consulting Actuary Chris Morley talks about his visit to the forum for ISSA technical commissions (TCs) in Geneva. The ISSA is the world’s leading international organisation for social security institutions, government departments and agencies. In March 2023 he was appointed as …
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Fines for parents for taking children out of school: What you need to know
Every moment in school counts and days missed add up quickly. Evidence shows that pupils who have good attendance enjoy better wellbeing and school performance than those who don't. The school day is split into two sessions – one session counts as …
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Looking ahead to results day for GCSE and level 1/level 2 vocational and technical qualifications
On Thursday (22 August), students will receive results for GCSEs and level 1/level 2 vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs). Students should be proud of their achievements as they receive their results. The qualifications they have gained provide trustworthy evidence of …
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One Big Thing 2024: One Big Thing starts with One Small Change
We are excited to announce that One Big Thing - our annual initiative to drive cross-Civil Service action around a shared priority - is back on 14 October 2024! Last year's focus on data skills was a tremendous success, with …
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First endorsed SFI action now available
The endorsed action, GRH6: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland, is now on GOV.UK and is available to include in your Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) application through the Rural Payments service. In this post, we’ll give a brief recap on endorsed actions and summarise GRH6.
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Natalie brings sociological perspective to work of UK NSC
Profile on Professor Natalie Armstrong, the UK NSC’s implementation scientist expert
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How to stay healthy while wild swimming
This blog post has essential tips and advice if you're thinking of dipping your feet into the cool water of Britain's beaches, lakes and rivers. Read our tips on reducing your risk of becoming ill after open water swimming.
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The impact of the Common User Charge
Today’s blog outlines the government response to recent coverage of the Common User Charge introduced under the Border Target Operating Model.
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Royal Gibraltar Regiment help train Ukrainian soldiers
A team of 18 Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) soldiers were invited by the Coldstream Guards to help train 116 Ukrainian soldiers in a Basic Infantry Course. The five-week long course was held in the UK and is designed to transform …
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We've enabled thousands of homes in the Tees area - and much more!
The Nutrient Mitigation Scheme (NMS) continues with our sixth nutrient credit round now open in the Tees. To date we have offered credits for over 6,000 new homes in the Tees catchment area and have mitigation ready to meet thousands …
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Enhancing witness suites: Transforming court spaces for better access to justice
10 court witness waiting rooms across England and Wales have undergone significant improvements, aiming to create a more welcoming environment for those who need to use them.
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Implementing the Secure by Design approach
The rollout and implementation of the cross-government Secure by Design approach is well underway. Learn more about the importance of championing Secure by Design and the key steps to adopt at this stage in the latest CDDO blog.
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Another leap for workers’ rights reforms: ministers host first meeting with business leaders and unions
The government’s plans to strengthen the rights of working people took another major leap yesterday, as Deputy PM Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hosted trade unions and business organisations for the first time to progress their mission to …
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Going beneath the surface to reduce flood risk
Sam MacAllister and Tracy Hodsman from our asset performance teams explain how looking beneath the surface can be a key part of ensuring those on dry land have their flood risk reduced. The Environment Agency manages many different structures up …
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Inaccurate National Planning Policy Framework reporting
There has been media reporting suggesting councils will be forced to approve wind turbines, through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This inaccurate. We have made clear renewable projects will still subject to strict planning controls to protect …
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Reporting around rent controls
It has been reported in the media today that the Government is planning to give the Mayor of London powers to impose rent controls. This is not true. Fixing Britain’s housing crisis is one of our top priorities, and giving …
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From Homes for Ukraine to community building: my journey as a business analyst Fast Streamer
In this blog post, Luke Radford, Business Analyst and Fast Streamer turns the spotlight on our growing business analysis and performance analysis community of practice, and shares his experience of working on the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.