9118posts
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Improving EU trade: what you need to know
The government is working on a new food trade agreement with the European Union (EU) to make it easier for farmers and food producers to trade. This post explains the background to the agreement, what it is meant to do, and how you can keep up with progress.
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Unearthing the net zero solution beneath our feet
When you think about net zero, what comes to mind? Sunlight reflecting off solar panels? Turbines spinning in strong coastal winds?
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Live More – supporting people living with dementia to stay active, connected and well through Shared Lives
Introduction by Sarah McClinton I was so impressed when I heard about the Live More initiative in Greater Manchester and would like to thank Neil Crowther for this blog, which I am delighted to introduce. It is particularly timely, as …
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Reducing requisitions: Trowers & Hamlins’ quality-led approach
How one commercial firm keeps avoidable requisitions low by building quality into complex property work.
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Why GOV.UK APIs are changing and how you can get involved
We’re exploring how the application programming interfaces (APIs) that deliver content for GOV.UK could evolve to better support an experience spanning multiple digital channels. Find out what we’re doing and why we want to understand more about our users.
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Who’s eligible for the 2026 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Spring Booster’?
As we move into spring, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the …
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April consultation events to give feedback on draft plans
Share your views on the draft fisheries management plans. Join an event, watch a webinar, and respond online before 5 May.
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DVSA and CPT’s experience exchange
Senior leaders from DVSA and CPT came together for immersive visits designed to give a practical understanding of each organisation’s work and the pressures they face.
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From fridge yetis to real results: how the HMRC app is helping people take control of their money and tax
HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap sets out a clear ambition: to make everyday tax interactions simpler and more intuitive to meet customer needs. The increased traffic to the HMRC app this year reflects HMRC’s longer‑term ambition to make it easier for customers …
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Healthy Land, Secure Future: A Land Use Framework for Nature, Climate and Communities
By Hannah Wood, Strategy Deputy Director, and Fin Rylatt, Land Use Framework lead, Natural England In this blog post, we explain how the new Land Use Framework sets out a path to clearer, more integrated ways of managing England’s land. The new Framework shows how nature, food production, clean energy and housing can complement each …
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Collective capability for public problem-solving
Leading public designers write about the common ways they work across governments around the world.
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Ready to ride? Your guide to getting back on the road this spring
Make sure your bike is ready for the road before you go on your first proper ride of the year.
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What we've heard about employability skills in young people and the role Skills England can play, by Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean
ONS data shows that around one in eight young people aged 16-24 in the UK (about 957,000 individuals) are not in education, employment or training. The government’s recent announcement of a £1 billion youth employment package highlights just how urgent this …
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From Cell to Court: Inside Prisoner Escort and Custody Services
Before a defendant reaches the dock of the courtroom, there’s a complex operation involving transport drivers, custody officers, and multiple agencies to get them there. In this episode, Josie goes behind the scenes at Manchester Magistrates Court, spending a day …
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Breaking Down Barriers: Workplace Adjustments for World Autism Day
April is World Autism Acceptance Month and 2nd April marks World Autism Day (often celebrated as Autism Acceptance Day). This year, the 2026 theme is 'Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.' The focus is all about affirming the rights, …
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One month to go: know your rights before the Renters’ Rights Act kicks in
In just one month’s time, a major shake‑up of the private rented sector comes into force. From 1 May 2026, the new Renters’ Rights Act will give 11 million renters stronger protections, fairer rules and greater security in their homes. …
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Growing trees and farming together for nature recovery – new agroforestry principles launched
By Alisa Swanson, Natural England Agroforestry — the practice of combining trees with farming — is gaining renewed momentum as a practical way to increase tree cover and restore nature without sacrificing productive land. This post explores how Natural England …
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Good financial health starts with good financial habits
April marks the start of a new financial year for many – and for charity trustees, that makes it the perfect moment to take stock.
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Continued funding for adult social care learning and development in financial year 2026/27
Investing in the adult social care workforce
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Why international standards matter for digital identity in the UK
Digital identity only works if people trust it. And that trust needs to hold in a world where people increasingly live, work and do business across countries. That’s why international standards matter for the UK’s digital verification services (DVS) trust framework. They help ensure digital identity services are …
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Fertiliser survey: share your views
The conflict in the Middle East continues to influence global fuel and energy prices. We’re working closely with industry to monitor the situation. As part of this, we want to understand how these changes are affecting farmers and land managers in England. We’ve launched a survey to gather your experiences.
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An update on the Nutrient Management Planning Tool
We recently introduced the ‘existing manure storage capacity’ function to the Nutrient Management Planning Tool. The new functionality includes a calculation of existing manure storage capacity, giving users a clearer picture of the storage they already have in place.
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The Regulatory Policy Committee’s rating system explained – and tips for getting it right
We're often asked what makes the difference between a green and red rating. This post explains our rating system, what we look for and how government departments can improve the quality of their assessments.
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Low Pay Commission explainer: the minimum wage and inflation
Each April, when minimum wage rates rise, employers consider how to respond. Should they take a hit to their bottom line? Try to find savings or efficiencies? Or pass the cost on to their customers, by raising their prices? In …
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What next for our framework for apprenticeship assessment
Our new Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework sets out the final conditions, requirements and guidance for reformed apprenticeship assessment. These reforms are designed to accommodate the Department for Work and Pensions’ new principles of flexibility in the way apprenticeships are assessed. This framework provides that flexibility while ensuring standards for assessment will be upheld.
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Recruiting participants in libraries: tips for user researchers
Improving access to justice starts with understanding the real challenges people face when using government services. Many of those who most need legal help are also the least likely to take part in traditional research. This can be due to …
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A positive first year for NISTA
Becky Wood, Chief Executive of NISTA, reflects on a busy first year for the organisation delivering against its remit to help transform government’s approach to major project planning and delivery. It’s well known in the world of project delivery that …
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How Advice and Guidance is helping to cut waiting times for patients
Advice and Guidance (A&G) has been used in the NHS for years. It helps GPs get advice from specialists on a patient’s condition to decide the best course of treatment. The below sets out the facts following media reports. Below …
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My Day at the Coast with the King: Launching the King Charles III England Coast Path
By Neil Constable, Programme Manager, King Charles III England Coast Path Team This blog post is a personal reflection by Neil on the official launch of the trail at Seven Sisters in Sussex on 19 March. Neil describes his 16-year …
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Inspecting water companies: a day in the life of an Environment Agency Water Industry Regulation Officer
When I stepped into my new role with the Environment Agency’s Water Industry Regulation team, covering Kidderminster and Tewkesbury, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Six months on, I can confidently say that this has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening periods of my career so far.
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OFSI’s 10 Year Anniversary – Reflections from Giles Thomson, Director of OFSI
Ten years ago, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) was established to ensure that the United Kingdom’s financial sanctions are clearly understood, effectively implemented and robustly enforced. Over the past decade, financial sanctions have become an increasingly important tool in furthering the UK’s foreign policy, national security and economic aims. Financial sanctions …
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Modernising services: Nick Goodwin’s reflections on change at HMCTS
HMCTS Chief Executive Nick Goodwin reflects on how the organisation has built strong foundations for continued transformation, the challenges that remain, and what the future holds.
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Beware the criminals lurking online
The modern way to find many of the services, trades and products we need to buy is to look online. It’s quick, easy and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. But it is a minefield …
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One year of AI Accelerator: building Government tech talent
It is one year since the AI Accelerator programme launched in March 2025, transforming how government professionals build confidence, technical skills and practical capabilities in applying AI. The Accelerator programmes support departments to grow their own data and AI talent …
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Holtec small modular reactor completes nuclear regulators’ design assessment
As regulators of the nuclear industry, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) are working together to make sure that any new nuclear power stations built in the UK meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.
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When AI answers the question, what happens to the user journey?
How is AI changing the way people engage with public services online? The DfE team are reflecting on the changes in how people access their services, and thinking about what this means for our practices and ways of working.
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Protecting our Planet – 1 year on
Learn more about how we’re helping protect the Earth and space from contamination.
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Best Start Family Hubs: what parents need to know
Getting the best start in life shouldn't depend on postcode. That's why we are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across the country. These hubs are part of a wider Best Start in Life strategy, backed by over £900 million over the next …
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CustomerFirst: how we’re transforming services together
CustomerFirst is a new unit in GDS, set up to explore fresh ways of working in government and modernise public services. The unit launched in January 2026. This blog post shares insight into the work so far and plans for the 2 years ahead.
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Not all years lived are equal: understanding measures of health
HLE and QALYs both measure quality of health - but they're built differently, used differently, and answer different policy questions. Find out more in this blog from GAD actuary Natasha Hill.