9498posts
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SFI26 update: around 25% of window 1 budget now allocated
We can confirm that around 25% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.
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Northern Ireland stakeholder engagement: the value of local experience
I was delighted to be appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) in January 2026. SSAC is an independent statutory body that provides impartial advice on social security related matters. It scrutinises the majority of complex secondary legislation that underpins …
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MOT: what we’ve been working on
Our aim is to continuously improve the service we deliver, by streamlining our services and future-proofing the MOT service.
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Advancing Shark and Ray Conservation: Indonesia’s Voice at Sharks International 2026
Sharks International is the world’s largest scientific conference dedicated to sharks, rays, and chimaeras, bringing together researchers, conservation practitioners, policymakers, and fisheries experts from around the world every four years. At the 2026 conference, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka (4–8 …
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GOV.UK app: One year of easier, faster services in your pocket
Today, the GOV.UK app turns one. And, like all first birthdays, it’s a bit of a special moment - a time to celebrate but also reflect and look forward.
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Exploration sprints: testing whether a different approach is actually viable
Could a two-week sprint transform a public service? Discover how CustomerFirst tests ideas, uncovers barriers and builds evidence before major change.
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How SFI is helping a small farm improve profitability and resilience
In this video, Gloucestershire Farmer Edward Earnshaw explains how Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions are helping his small family farm streamline management, cut input costs, and boost profitability while delivering environmental benefits.
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Building the Bridge from Military Excellence to Civil Service Careers
In recognition of Armed Forces Day 2026, we look at how this day serves to demonstrate support and appreciation for the entire Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families At Going Forward into Employment (GFiE), we …
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Making a real difference: a day in the life of a Water Industry Regulation team leader
I didn’t come from a regulatory or environmental background, but I’ve always had a deep-rooted passion for nature. Growing up, I spent a lot of time gardening with my parents and grandparents, learning the value of patience, care, and respect for the natural world. As my career progressed, I became increasingly aware of the pressures being placed on our environment and it felt …
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The UK NSC 2026 call for screening topics is now open
The UK NSC 2026 open call for new screening proposals is now open until 30 September.
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What Natural England is doing next to protect Dartmoor Ponies
In recent weeks, Dartmoor's iconic ponies have been at the centre of significant media attention and public debate. We want to use this blog to set out clearly what has been reported, what is happening in reality, and what we …
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Enabling the use of digital verification services for alcohol age checks in England and Wales
Today the Home Office has laid legislation that will allow customers at licensed premises in England and Wales to prove their age using digital checks from a registered digital verification service provider.
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Libraries sector in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
Here on the Libraries blog, we’re shining a spotlight on those recognised for services to public libraries or who have worked within them as part of the work they have been awarded honours for. Members of the Order of the …
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Latest statement in response to small boat crossings
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This Government is bearing down on small boat crossings, with removals of small boat migrants at record levels and asylum claims down by 12%. “The Home Secretary has signed a landmark new deal with France …
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Beyond the test: THINK! campaign addresses drug driving attitudes. How you can support it
As professional driving instructors, you have an opportunity to help address one of the most concerning trends in road safety
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What are ticks and how can you avoid being bitten?
Ticks are parasites that can transmit infections to humans, including Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome and tick-borne encephalitis. Visit our blog post to find answers to common questions about ticks, the risks they pose, and how to protect yourself.
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SFI26: Window 1 now open
The first application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is now open.
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What is Lyme disease and how is it diagnosed and treated?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, usually outdoors in green spaces. Visit our blog post on ticks to learn how to avoid them or remove them if you are bitten.
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Maritime and Coastguard Agency refreshes safety tool for senior leaders
A look at the changes made to Leading for Safety, the MCA’s maritime industry safety guide for senior leaders.
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Coverage of the Vagrancy Act repeal
There is widespread positive national coverage following the department’s announcement that the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act will be repealed on Monday, bringing an end to the criminalisation of rough sleeping. The announcement is covered prominently across national media, including the Observer, …
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From review to reform: making post-implementation reviews count
Post-implementation reviews are meant to answer a simple question: is a regulation still working? Too often, the answer is “not as well as it should” and yet nothing changes.
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Services Week: What we are learning about introducing sustainability into service assessments
Sustainable Design Lead Ned Gartside looks ahead to Services Week 2026, where he will be leading a session to talk about Defra’s recent introduction of a 15th Service Standard point focused on sustainability.
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Natural England response to Badger Trust and Wild Justice judicial review decision
The High Court has on 26 June 2026, dismissed the judicial review claim brought by Wild Justice and the Badger Trust, finding no unlawfulness in Natural England’s decision-making. The Court declined to grant the declaration sought by the claimants, noting …
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Explainer: Repeal of the Vagrancy Act, what happens next?
The Government is repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824 (Monday 29th June), ending over 200 years of criminalising rough sleeping and begging and marking a shift to a more modern, supportive approach to homelessness. ❓What is changing? 🌟Why is the Act being repealed? 🎯Tackling criminal activity 🤝What …
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New funding available for lowland peat soils
From today, 2 new grants are available to farmers and land managers on lowland peat soils. One provides funding for water management infrastructure, while the other supports research into viable markets for paludiculture and traditional crops grown at higher water tables.
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West Midlands Swift Academy – Connecting People and Swifts in Urban Spaces
By Chloe Hardman, Senior Project Manager, West Midlands Area Team In this blog, Chloe Hardman discusses swifts, and the amazing work being done to protect them within communities in the Midlands. When was the last time an animal made you …
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Use of AI for GXP inspection responses: setting standards without stifling innovation
This blog specifically relates to submissions to the MHRA Compliance Teams following GxP inspections. The MHRA has identified examples of information relating to inspection activity submitted to compliance teams which have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This blog describes our …
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Supporting England’s peat: new grants for water management, wetter farming and restoration capacity
My name is Anika Dowling, and I am a policy advisor in Defra’s Peat team. In this blog I’ll set out what each new scheme offers and how you can apply. In the Environmental Improvement Plan, we announced our new Peatland Programme for 2026 to 2030. This month, we’ve launched …
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From acorns to ambition: six years of the Nature for Climate Fund and what comes next
Richard Chapman, Programme Director of the Defra Trees Programme, reflects on the Nature for Climate Fund and shares what the future holds for the sector.
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Want to improve services across health and care? Become a DHSC service assessor
Find out how to become a DHSC service assessor.
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Ruth Davis: nature, trade and partnership – reflections from China
Ruth Davis shares her reflections from her recent visit to China with the Defra Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds. Read this post to find out more.
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Backing Britain’s Carers: Proposed New Rights in the Spotlight
Learn about DBT's consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, which will close on 1st September 2026.
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Building resilience for the future of the UK’s AGR programme
Steve Wordsworth, Head of Spent Fuel Services at Sellafield Ltd, explains how the NDA Group supports energy security and the defueling of the UK’s remaining AGR stations.
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Reflections from the Nutrition Society Irish Section 2026 Conference
Naomi Davidson, Head of Science and Surveillance and Registered Nutritionist, shares her reflections from the Nutrition Society Irish Section Conference 2026, held at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus, and what the event meant for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland.
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Fish Health Inspectorate and the Pet Fish Trade - safeguarding the health of fish and shellfish
The primary role of the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) is to safeguard the health of fish and shellfish in England and Wales by controlling serious listed diseases and assessing/intervening in emerging disease threats. They authorise the activities of fish and …
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Inside the Environment Agency’s fish lab: protecting fisheries from invasive species and disease
This week marks Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Week, a chance to shine a light on the quiet, often unseen work protecting our waters.
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Eight years at the heart of change: signing off from SSAC
It feels slightly surreal to be writing this. After eight years as the Wales member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), I’m stepping away. That’s long enough for the role to stop being “new” and start feeling like part …
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Air conditioning rules
There has been media coverage this week suggesting that air conditioning is banned in homes. This is incorrect. Air conditioning can be installed in both existing and new homes. In most cases, planning permission is not required to install it …
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Small but mighty: the backbone of our sector
Small charities are the lifeblood of civil society: deeply embedded in their communities, trusted by those they serve, and often the first to respond when needs arise.
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Update on the National Adult Safeguarding Board
On the 16 June I chaired the first National Adults Safeguarding Board, created in direct response to Baroness Casey's safeguarding recommendations set out in her letter to the then Secretary of Health and Social Care on 3 March 2026, and …