9583posts
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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In June we opened a consultation on the Fair Funding Review 2.0 which set out our proposals to fix the outdated way local authorities are funded to make it fairer and fit for the future, so local leaders can deliver …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.
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Reflecting on progress in regulation: Paving the way to EA2030
With the launch of EA2030, the Environment Agency has set out a clear and ambitious strategy for the years ahead. This vision responds directly to the climate and nature emergencies and outlines how we will work with partners to deliver …
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Backpacking through a world of IP
Any trip requires you to pack carefully, but have you considered how much intellectual property appears along the way? In this blog we explore the IP that's present from packing to souvenirs.
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Understanding how the financial technology industry uses Companies House data
We're researching how financial technology (fintech) companies use the data on the Companies House register. Have your say and help influence the services that support your success.
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Inside the Courtroom: Inspiring young minds through mock trials
What if your first encounter with the justice system was inside a real courtroom, not as a spectator, but as a lawyer, magistrate or legal adviser? This episode explores the Magistrates' Mock Trial Scheme, a partnership between HMCTS and Young …
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Securing the Future: SKYNET 6 WSS Hits a Landmark Milestone
The SKYNET 6 Enduring Capability project has just reached a major milestone with the release of the final Invitation to Negotiate for the Wideband Satellite System. This is a big step forward in delivering the UK’s next generation of military …
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Deciding not to build a new service: why stopping can be the right outcome
5 tips for user-centred designers who are considering whether to continue building a new service for users.
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Delivering a data standard to support Awaab’s Law in social housing
We’re pleased to share a milestone in our social housing data work, the delivery of a new data standard to support Awaab’s Law.
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Coastal Planners Corner
North East As the North East Coastal Planner and Heritage Assets Policy Lead, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a wide range of stakeholders across the region who are passionate about our marine environment. From the Port of Tyne to …
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Exam Results Day: Supporting young people in the care system
During the exam results period, Rebecca Jones from Become talks about how she supports young people in the care system as they receive their GCSE and A-level results.
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Thriving Together: Nature, People and Industry in the Tees Estuary
By Vicky Ward, Tees Estuary Nature Recovery Partnership Project Manager It is a bright summer’s morning, as I walk through a striking landscape of contrasts. Through the passing juggernauts and across the brine fields to my right, an abundance of …
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APHA scientists find West Nile Virus sequences in UK mosquitoes: what it means for wildlife and public health
West Nile virus has been detected in UK mosquitoes for the first time. Discover how APHA’s cutting-edge surveillance uncovered this threat and what it means for wildlife, horses and human health.
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From classroom to career: how T Levels and apprenticeships deliver skills for priority occupations
T Levels and apprenticeships offer young people brilliant pathways into thriving industries and allow employers to shape the skills of the workforce of tomorrow. Read on to learn how these training options are giving learners and employers better skills for …
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King Scallop Implementation Group: transparency and updates
The King Scallop Implementation Group marks a big step in the drive to sustainable management. Catch up with the first meetings and what’s next.
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How can GenerativeAI help UKEF staff work more efficiently day-to-day?
Since May 2025, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has been trialling 30 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences, distributed across a range of staff. These participants have been trying out the AI product in their day-to-day work and recording their experiences.
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Transforming Rapid Evidence Assessments with Artificial Intelligence
How the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is improving evidence reviews.
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From Fish to Rare Crayfish: England’s Drought Wildlife Rescue Operations
Fisheries teams across England respond as drought and prolonged dry weather puts aquatic life at risk. England’s driest start to the year since 1976 is severely impacting waterways. While Environment Agency fisheries officers work with partners to help fisheries prepare …
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From fences to freedom: England’s continuing beaver journey
By Stuart Otway, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Complex Cases Team and Delphine Pouget, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Species Recovery & Reintroductions Team In February 2025 Defra published its landmark policy on the wild release and management of beavers …
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Understanding Elections user journeys: lessons from in-person mobile testing
User researchers in the Elections Digital team are working on initiatives to improve voter registration by making the process simple and accessible. Find out how the team has been improving its understanding of the mobile-first experience of many citizens interacting with digital election services and what they learned along the way.
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The Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme: A portfolio approach to public sector innovation
Yesterday, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced a suite of new artificial intelligence (AI) Exemplar products across a range of government departments. Sponsored by the Prime Minister as an initiative to revolutionise our public services, the AI Exemplars Programme will explore new ways for services like justice, education and the NHS to make best use of …
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GCSE results day 2025: 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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Using government data to verify your identity: the role of the GOV.UK Wallet
Every day, people use official government documents like passports or driving licences to prove things about themselves in the economy. However, these physical documents weren’t designed for the digital age. This is why, through the Data (Use and Access) Act, …
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How to save 1000 species from extinction?
By Tim Wilkins, Principal Specialist in Species Recovery When a legally-binding target to reduce species extinction risk in England was set by government in 2023: The Environmental Targets (Biodiversity) (England) Regulations 2023, this question – How to save a 1000 …
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Spurdog Returns: How Science and Fishers Are Working Together to Protect a Recovering Shark
Spurdog (also known as the spiny dogfish, scientific name Squalus acanthias) is a type of small shark found in oceans around the world. It can travel long distances and has been an important species for commercial fishing in the past. …
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What citizen scientists are telling us about bathing waters through AI signposts
Hello Lamp Post-driven QR signage being put up at Combe Martin in Devon Valuable new information about how and when people use popular bathing waters has become available, ten months after AI-powered signage was launched at pilot sites around England. …
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Young People and the Future of Scotland - How to get young people involved in strategic foresight
By Claire Elliott, Scottish Government Introduction A bold approach to a futures project, bringing young people into Scotland’s long-term policy thinking, made possible through financial support via GO-Science Futures’ co-funding initiative. Young People and the Future of Scotland was a …
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RPA email receipts are changing
We’re changing the email notification customers receive when they email RPA. What's changing Shorter notification containing a reference number If you’ve recently emailed the RPA email address, you will have received a long acknowledgement email. We are reducing the size …
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Level 3 results analysis 2025: Key trends and context for teachers
More than 850,000 A and AS level results have been issued to students in England today, along with just over 250,000 results for vocational and technical performance-table qualifications taken alongside them. These are results that enable young people to progress …