7980posts
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The Forestry Commission’s new approach to consultation on forestry applications
We asked the Secretary of State for Defra to withdraw the 1984 Ministerial Direction on consultation of forestry applications and associated Ministerial Statements. Here we explain what that means.
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Redesigning the DDaT Capability Framework
The Capability Framework articulates standards of capability in digital, data and technology roles. It was originally developed in 2017 and now updated beta version has been launched. Read about what's been changed, the user research behind the changes and other planned developments.
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IID3 - why research into infectious intestinal disease matters
One of the Food Standards Agency's ongoing commitments to food safety is surveillance. As part of this, we actively monitor the levels of infectious intestinal disease (IID) in the UK. While we regularly review the number of confirmed IID cases, not all cases that occur in the UK population will be recorded by public health …
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Environment Secretary on the XL Bully ban
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey writes an opinion piece following on from the Government decision to ban the XL Bully dog. This piece has been published in the Express Shocking incidents cause concern among our communities and are a clear demonstration …
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Further increase in English Hen Harrier numbers recorded in 2023
By John Holmes, Strategy Director, Natural England. The Hen Harrier, an iconic bird of upland landscapes, is one of our rarest birds of prey. Driven to extinction in mainland Britain in the 19th century, since recolonising England in the 1960s …
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High Court judgment on Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan
The High Court has rejected claims that the government’s Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan is unlawful,
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Everything you need to know about NASUWT’s Action Short of Strike Action
The National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has announced it will be taking Action Short of Strike Action from Monday 18 September 2023. This doesn’t mean that teachers are going on strike again. Earlier this year, schoolteachers in …
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Syphilis: get tested, get treated
This blog covers the risk factors for syphilis, its signs and symptoms, and how it can be prevented.
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UK NSC announces new screening seminars
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) today launches a programme of online seminars for stakeholders. There are currently 3 to choose from and they are all free.
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FACTSHEET: Proscription
The key statistics section has been updated in this factsheet on 6 September 2023. What is proscription? Proscription is the banning of an organisation based on an assessment that it commits or participates in, prepares for, promotes or encourages, or …
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The increase in the cost of regulation on business and the end of the BIT
Stephen Gibson comments on the repeal of the business impact target, which paves the way for reform of the UK's Better Regulation Framework.
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Get Cloud Certified this October
In celebration of the 10th anniversary, and the recent refresh, of the Government Cloud First policy, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) is excited to announce UK Public Sector Cloud Certification October! This is the most exciting month for …
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Accelerated SFI payments and plans to boost British produce announced at Back British Farming Day
Yesterday was Back British Farming Day, where the government announced a package of measures to help people “buy British” and provide farmers with the cashflow they need to invest in their businesses – which have been widely among farming trade press, including Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian.
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The British Army's elite Airborne Sappers hone their urban operation skills as they take on Exercise Barbary Sun.
Exercise Barbary Sun saw 9 Parachute Squadron (9 Para Sqn RE) utilise the unique facilities available in Gibraltar to develop the skills required to conduct dismounted close combat battle craft syllabus and combat engineering in the urban and subterranean environment, …
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Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme awards
By Karen Shelley-Jones, Species Recovery Programme Manager and James Phillips, Principal Adviser for Species Recovery and Species Re-introductions England’s species are amazing. They can charm, intrigue, amaze, inspire and frighten us. They spark our interest and concern. They are also …
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Your next step: The importance of Professional Recognition
“I am delighted to endorse the GSE Professional Recognition Offer which is re-launching with Recognition Week this September. This is a series of webinars from the GSE Profession and partner institutions, running from 25 to 29 September 2023. Every level …
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Farmers lead the way toward sustainable food production in East Kent
As a farm conservation adviser for Natural England, I’ve been working closely with farmers across Kent for 25 years to support them to incorporate wildlife friendly farming practices across 25,000 hectares of farmed landscape. By building long term, collaborative relationships with farmers on the ground and helping them enter environmental schemes such as Countryside Stewardship, …
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Discovering data across government
Keiran Millard, Head of Data Architecture at CDDO discusses how his team are working to deliver Data Marketplace, a cross-government hub offering accessible and responsibly shared data, designed to drive service improvement.
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The Sustainable Farming Incentive
Over 20,000 farmers have already applied for an SFI agreement. Apply today and choose from the 23 actions currently on offer. You will receive your first payment 4 months after your agreement starts. After that, you’ll be paid every 3 months, so you have a regular, reliable income. Updated 29 April
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How prototyping helps us deliver better user experiences
Prototypes allow us to evaluate the designs of our services and decide if they're fit for purpose. Find out more about why we use them.
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It’s Illegal to advertise products imported under the Special Import System
Manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers cannot promote or advertise products imported under the Special Import Scheme. Jackie Catterall, Regional Managing Inspector (Northern Region) and Stacey Brown, Head of Supply Team, explain why. Specially imported products are considered to be unauthorised veterinary …
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Shaping the Smart World: We're recruiting an Enforcement Team Leader to help protect UK home devices
Step into the role of an Enforcement Team leader within the Product Regulations Team. You will spearhead the team's efforts in enforcing the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations.
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Why woodland management matters
Woodland Resilience Adviser Chris explores the different threats facing our woodlands, and how woodland management can help mitigate these threats and increase the future health and resilience of our woodlands.
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Seven ways to make the Civil Service more innovative…
The fast pace of technological change is creating new opportunities for how we can deliver exceptional public service. But I’ve always thought that telling people: “Be more innovative!” is a fairly unhelpful instruction. Over the last six months, I’ve been …
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Weir making a real difference to water quality on the River Cole
The Environment Agency enables partnerships to come together and improve the local environment to benefit wildlife and communities. Catchment Coordinator for the EA, Adam Noon, tells us more about removing Ackers Weir on the River Cole in East Birmingham.
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New developments for STEM Futures
STEM Futures is a knowledge-exchange scheme which brings together cross-sector partners to develop science-skills capability. The scheme is owned and managed by the Government Science and Engineering Profession. There have been some exciting developments over the summer for STEM Futures! …
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Into the deep: How Cefas science of the deep-sea is exploring uncharted waters
The deep-sea covers more than 60% of the Earth's surface. Deep-sea ecosystems are amongst the least well understood owing to the combined challenges of remoteness, vastness, and the difficulties of exploring its depths. The ‘deep-sea’ is a catch-all term that …
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Strengthening the Ranks: Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) soldiers excel at infantry battle school.
In a display of unwavering determination and commitment, several members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment have returned from the gruelling challenges of the Infantry Battle School with impressive achievements under their belts. The past week marked a significant milestone as …
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UK Space Agency to bring its 'Space for Everyone' STEAM tour to Wrexham
The UK Space Agency will be docking its 72ft model rocket at Queens Square, Wrexham!
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Improving New Style benefits: the Government's response to our recommendations
Last year we completed an extensive study into how the two contributory benefits for those of working age who are not in paid work: New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance and New Style Employment and Support Allowance. We found much that works …
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Response to an investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection
Today’s blog sets out the government and Environment Agency response to an investigation update from the OEP.
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Innovation in action at UK’s first all-electric prison
Jon Loveday, Director of Infrastructure, Enterprise and Growth, and Alison Baptiste, Director of Public and Security Services at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), share their thoughts following a site visit to the HMP Millsike Programme. HMP Millsike is a …
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My experience of using Get help buying for schools to buy cleaning services for my school
In this blog post, Zoe Allcott, Business Manager at Thrive Education Partnership, shares her experience of using the Get help buying for schools service, including the level of support she received and how the service has helped her to upskill.
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Introducing You To...
Hello! My name is Jo Ransome, and I work in RPA’s Customer Insight Team. My role covers everything related to gathering insight. The Research and Insight Network Group started just over a year ago and it’s a very busy environment …
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Libraries paving the way for youth enterprise
Libraries are the perfect setting to engage youth audiences, with entrepreneurial activities attractive to even the hardest to reach teenagers. Oxford Westgate Library became a member of the British Library Business & IP Centre (BIPC) National Network one year ago. …
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Using the power of data to build the UK’s health security
Data is essential to health security, underpinning our ability to prepare for, prevent and respond to health threats so we can save lives and protect livelihoods. We have published a data strategy setting out a unified approach to data which supports our 3-year strategic plan.
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The LPC has updated its definitions of ‘low-paying sectors’
At the Low Pay Commission (LPC), we do a lot of work to monitor trends in the low-paid labour market. Each year, we talk to employers and workers across a range of sectors, as well as producing bespoke analysis on …
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Giving all children the best start in life
A child’s early education lasts a lifetime. That’s why giving all children ‘the best start in life’ is crucial and one of Ofsted’s strategic priorities. In this blog, I want to update you on some of the work we’ve been …
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A comet newcomer and autumn returns: the night sky in September
While the summer stars and constellations remain (much like the summer weather recently!), it’s a great month to see the planets Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, and there’s also a chance of spotting a newly discovered comet!
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Counter-Drones Science & Technology Senior Policy Advisor required
Are you interested in understanding the security risks posed by drones and the rapidly evolving technology of drone and counter-drones systems? The role This post is a SEO policy and science & technology (S&T) hybrid. It sits within the …