9583posts
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How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK. It's a rare and exciting event that many people will be keen to watch. But looking directly at the Sun without the right protection can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Here's how to enjoy the eclipse safely.
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New UK-Swiss workshop on scaling pharma research in space
The MHRA was pleased to participate in a workshop on 29 June 2026, organised by the British Embassy in Berne, which brought together senior leaders from the biopharma and space sectors, academia, regulatory bodies and funding organisations across the UK …
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From I do to IP
As Alan Lerner wrote in My Fair Lady, ‘ding dong, I’m getting married in the morning’ – and my wedding is now just around the corner. Between dress fittings, guest lists and final plans, there’s plenty to think about before the big day. Many of those choices involve creativity, ideas and innovation, with intellectual property …
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Where nature strengthens community: celebrating England's first accredited Nature Towns
By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England In this blog, NE Chief Executive Marian Spain reflects on her visit to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), alongside senior leaders from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust, to see …
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Building Local Transcribe for local government
Local Transcribe is a new AI-powered tool designed to reduce the administrative burden on frontline staff by capturing conversations, transcribing them and producing draft case notes for review. Built by Local AI in partnership with local government, it aims to save time, improve productivity and give officers more time to focus on supporting residents directly.
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UK and Switzerland collaborate to shape the future of space-enabled pharmaceuticals
Microgravity research in space is opening up new possibilities for pharmaceutical discovery and manufacturing. With the industry spending around $300 billion a year on R&D, even small improvements in efficiency could generate significant economic and medical benefits.
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🏠 Ending rough sleeping: What the government's new plan means for people sleeping on our streets
If you're concerned about rough sleeping in your area, the government has announced a new national drive to end long-term rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity, backed by an additional £340 million in funding. The investment will fund more homes and intensive support for …
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Deadline extended for pig sector survey
The pig survey deadline has been extended to 31 July 2026 to give more people the opportunity to participate.
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Keeping pace? Reviewing benefits, thresholds and caps in a changing economy
Since joining the Social Security Advisory Committee in September last year, I’ve been hugely impressed by the depth of expertise and the breadth of experience that the Committee benefits from. My colleagues on the Committee don’t just bring a wide …
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Natural England publishes Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial
By Matthew Heard, National Delivery Director, Natural England Hen Harriers are one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey. However, they are at the centre of a long-running conflict because they prey on red grouse, which are managed for grouse …
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How user research transformed GOV.UK guidance for separating families
Thousands of people use guidance on child arrangements every month, often at some of the most stressful moments in their lives. We wanted to find out whether it still met people's needs, and what we could do to improve it. …
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What I learned when I started teaching agile
A chance to teach agile became an opportunity for personal growth. Through support, training and practical experience, I discovered new strengths and gained confidence to explore future career possibilities.
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Consultation opens on five joint UK pelagic FMPs
Have your say on five proposed joint UK fisheries management plans covering herring, mackerel and blue whiting stocks. Submit your response by 14 October 2026.
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Two Big Milestones for Millions of Care Workers in England
A message from Rose Thomas-Willis, Deputy Director, Adult Social Care Pay and Careers
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How we're monitoring illegal waste sites and managing environmental risk
How we investigate illegal waste sites Waste crime is serious crime. It harms communities, undercuts legitimate waste businesses and can damage the environment. The Environment Agency investigates illegal waste activity in England. Our role is to assess and manage environmental risks, identify those responsible, …
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Drought and Water Resource Information and Links
Water is a precious resource that we can’t live without; from supplying drinking water and supporting fisheries, to providing an essential resource to business and agriculture, as well as a source of recreation. It is important that our rivers, lakes, …
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What I heard from more than 150 SME leaders – and what Skills England will do next, by Anthony Impey
Earlier this year, I spent a week travelling across the country and speaking with over 150 leaders of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The conversations took place in different places and sectors, but a consistent picture emerged. There is …
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Existing medicines and new uses
An overview of medicines repurposing, the challenges of generating evidence, and how actuarial analysis can support value‑based decision‑making.
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Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier: express your interest
From today, you can express your interest in a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreement for agroforestry or woodland improvement. You can also express your interest in single-focus agreements for scheduled monument management or species-rich grassland.
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How climate change is impacting the way flooding is managed
At the Flood & Coast conference 2026, Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy spoke about climate challenges and what they mean for those working in flooding, the new approach to delivering flood defences and how we need to work together …
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Organisations invited to collaborate in expansion of SMA screening evaluation in England
The government has issued a call to collaborate to seek additional funding to extend the evaluation of newborn screening for SMA to all the English screening laboratories.
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Understanding cyber security across the digital identity ecosystem
The digital identity market is growing. More services are being certified, more sectors are adopting digital verification services (DVS), and certification against the 1.0 trust framework begins later this year. At the same time, the fraud picture is a reminder of why security …
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Hidden in Plain Sight -Reframing Adult Social Care Responsibilities in Long-term Rough Sleeping
Introduction by Robert Lewis A National Plan to End Homelessness (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2025) provided a welcome focus on the need to work across government departments to help improve outcomes for those people experiencing long-term homelessness …
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Why do you need more than one dose of some vaccines?
Many vaccines need more than one dose to provide protection. This blog post explains why multiple doses are sometimes needed, how vaccine schedules are determined, and what the evidence says about staying protected.
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Design once, reuse everywhere
We’ve helped build the Gov Reuse Library, a digital library storing reusable design products and services for colleagues across central and local government to use.
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The Marine Management Organisation want to hear about your experience of using the marine plans
Are you a decision-maker or a proponent in one of England’s marine plan areas? Do you have experience of using the marine plans in another capacity, or a strong interest in marine planning in England? The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) …
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High Court judgment threatens protections for England’s internationally important wildlife sites
Natural England intends to appeal a High Court judgment arising from a judicial review brought by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) concerning gamebird release licensing. Gamebird release licensing was introduced in 2021 to protect internationally important species …
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A Fair Deal For Care Workers: Launching Part 3 of the Care Workforce Pathway
What is the Care Workforce Pathway? When we launched the Care Workforce Pathway (the Pathway) in 2024, we set out an ambitious vision: to create the first universal career structure for adult social care, giving clearer opportunities to develop, progress, and build rewarding …
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Foster care standards reform: what's changing and why
The National Minimum Standards for fostering are being reformed. Niketa Sanderson-Gillard talks about the new draft standards and the public consultation
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Regulating modular nuclear reactors – from design and R&D to the factory floor and site
Following Rolls-Royce SMR’s announcement about the new Pioneer Works facility in Derby, Andy Pynn, our strategic lead for nuclear new build, reflects on a visit he made to the company’s EXPERI facility at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research …
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Coverage of milestone in delivering leasehold reforms
There has been significant national, regional and trade coverage of the government’s announcement that it has taken the next steps to reform the feudal leasehold system. The government confirmed that it would progress with plans to improve transparency and ensure …
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Shaping the Farmer Collaboration Fund: what we heard
With guidance for the £30 million Farmer Collaboration Fund due to be published in August, and the first round opening on 1 September, we explain how the fund has been designed in partnership with the sector.
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Introducing Farmer Welfare Grant
Through the Farmer Welfare Grant, £1.5 million will be available over 3 years to support targeted projects that strengthen farmers’ personal and business resilience. It will open on 6 August.
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My PRIMA journey: Exploring new markets and building commercialisation skills
Interview with Arera Davies, Innovation Community Officer, British Antarctic Survey Could you share your professional background and tell us briefly about your role? I joined the Innovation Team at British Antarctic Survey in 2024 as the Innovation Community Officer. It’s an exciting role, especially …
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How we’re making sure your child is safe in nursery
Leaving your little one somewhere new is a big moment for any parent. Here we explain what nurseries and childminders must do to keep your child safe, the steps we're taking to strengthen those protections even further, and exactly what …
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From pixels to policy: The potential of geospatial embeddings for MHCLG
Geospatial Foundation Models and their embeddings have emerged as one of the most exciting developments in AI. In this post, the AI Lab in MHCLG introduces the concept of image embeddings and their potential value for a central government department like MHCLG.
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Supply staff savings allow Lime Trust to invest in schools and pupils
Lime Trust made significant savings on supply staffing by using the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) framework agreement – with the money saved being reinvested in its schools and pupils. The multi-academy trust - which comprises four primary and five special …
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Littering, fly-tipping and large-scale illegal dumping: what's the difference?
We’ve all seen it. Greasy fast-food packaging tossed from a car window onto the side of a road. Orange cigarette butts stamped into the pavement. Shiny crisp packets nestled in the grass at your local park. These are all examples of littering which show careless disregard for our shared public places. But what have they got in common with criminal gangs dumping tonnes of industrial waste in a woodland, or mattresses left in a roadside …
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🏠 Leasehold reforms explained: what today's changes could mean for you
If you’re a leaseholder, new measures could mean you receive more information about your service charge, as well as greater protection from unfair, hidden costs. Today, the government has taken the next steps in delivering a fairer leasehold system, resulting …
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What is a Lifelong Guardianship Ceremony and how does it work
Every year, thousands of young people leave the care system in England and begin adult life without the lasting family relationships and support networks that many others take for granted. But many people who are care-experienced have developed enduring bonds, for example, with their foster carers, a teacher or a mentor. There is currently no way of honouring and celebrating those …