9611posts
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Finding the unfindable: BBC films Natural England's dive team on Cornwall's ancient seabed after the discovery of a new seaweed species
By Angela Gall - Marine Senior Officer, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Area Team Off the south coast of Cornwall, in the cold, clear water, lie some of England's least-known natural treasures: the maerl beds. Earlier this summer, our …
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Capital Grants 2026: 75% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 75% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
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Coverage of the government's devolution announcement
There has been widespread national, regional, trade and broadcast coverage of the government’s announcement on devolving a share of income tax revenue for mayors across England. BBC News Online, Financial Times, The I Paper andThe Guardian all run pieces noting that mayors …
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Developing future Chief Digital and Data Leaders
How the Chief Digital and Data Leader Programme is helping experienced technologists move into senior leadership roles.
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Misleading claims on council tax
There have been misleading claims reported in The Telegraph today saying that the government is planning an ‘£18bn tax raid’ through a council tax increase in England over the next few years. This is incorrect. It is for individual …
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NHSBSA Data Hub Alpha Assessment
Read about the alpha assessment Data Hub from NHSBSA.
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An update and reminder of CSHT single-focus agreements
Single-focus agreements are designed to provide a simpler route into Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). Since opening on July 21, over 300 expressions of interest have been received for these types of agreements. In this post, we provide a summary and a reminder of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
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Capital Grants 2026: 50% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 50% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
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Helping people enjoy food safely this summer
Katie Pettifer, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency on helping people enjoy food safely this summer
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Capital Grants 2026: 25% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 25% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has now been allocated.
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Concrete Canvas: turning an idea into a global business
We talked to Welsh innovators, Concrete Canvas, about how their business has benefited from IP protection in the face of attempts to infringe on their products.
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Transformation needs deliberately designed teams: here's how we're building them differently
How talent shapes transformation.
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Capital Grants 2026 now open
This is a short post to let you know that the 2026 Capital Grants offer is now open for applications.
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The planning marathon - making improvements in the long run
Tom Warth (Chief Operating Officer) reflects on the Planning Inspectorate’s long-term improvements as the latest performance statistics are published.
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Cyclospora: what it is, and how can you protect yourself when travelling?
Every summer, a small but steady number of UK travellers return from holidays abroad with an unwelcome souvenir: a parasitic infection that can leave them dealing with unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms for weeks. This summer we’ve seen a sharp rise in illness caused by cyclospora.
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Using AI to support faster local plan consultation analysis
AI is helping planning teams cut through the time-consuming work of consultation analysis. A pilot has been extended with 5 more planning authorities, delivering efficiency gains and freeing officers to focus on judgement and engagement. But success depends on strong governance, good data structure and proper quality assurance.
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Paying your annual fee: what you need to know
When you apply to register with Ofsted as a childcare provider, you will need to pay an application fee. You’ll then need to pay an annual registration fee once we approve your application. In this blog, I’ll explain the main …
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Expanding Teaching Vacancies to further education
Teaching Vacancies is expanding to further education. We explain what we have learned from colleges, recruiters and jobseekers, and how we are testing the service before making it more widely available.
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Consultations open on Irish Sea demersal and pelagic FMPs
Read the proposals for Irish Sea fisheries management and tell us what you think before the consultations close.
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Digital identity fraud risks: why OfDIA is asking for evidence
The National Assessments Centre, which sits within the National Crime Agency (NCA), has been commissioned by the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) to produce an intelligence assessment into the fraud threats targeting businesses providing digital identity products and …
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Farmer Collaboration Fund: guidance and webinars available
Ahead of the Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF) opening on 1 September, we've published guidance on GOV.UK so that potential delivery partners can start planning applications. We also share details of two upcoming webinars.
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Otterly Brilliant: Occupational Therapy Supporting Nature-Based Health Delivery and Site Improvements
By Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (North East and Yorkshire) This blog outlines the importance of green spaces in improving health and wellbeing, with a focus on occupational therapy, while showcasing some of the amazing projects in this …
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How the Joint Unit for Waste Crime is dismantling organised crime in the UK waste industry
Waste crime isn't fly-tipping. It's a billion-pound criminal enterprise in which organised crime groups exploit the waste industry to launder money, evade tax, undercut legitimate businesses, and pollute communities and the environment, while presenting themselves as lawful operators. These criminals …
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Naming a service: how we chose a name for Share Homes for Ukraine data
How do you choose a clear, accessible name for a new service? Find out how the Homes for Ukraine Digital team found a user-centred name that would work long term for its new system for managing Homes for Ukraine data.
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Beyond the trees: how to make your woodland a wildlife haven
Neil Riddle, Head of Natural Environment at the Forestry Commission, explains how small, smart choices can turn your woodland into a wildlife hotspot while still producing timber and supporting long‑term resilience.
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Slurry storage: sort it in summer, be winter-ready
In the middle of another hot, dry summer we can see our climate is changing. When we head into winter this translates into more rain, more runoff, and more pressure on slurry storage. Getting ahead now can help protect your land, your business and the waterways your community depends on.
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Watch the Capital Grants 2026 webinar
To help you prepare to apply for Capital Grants 2026, we hosted a webinar on Thursday 30 July for you to find out more.
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Learn more about the Farmer Welfare Grant
Earlier this month, we blogged to introduce the Farmer Welfare Grant. While the application portal does not open until 6 August, we're sharing some additional information in advance to help organisations that are considering applying, including details of upcoming webinars.
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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
The wedding day: between dress fittings, guest lists, decorations and final plans, there’s plenty to think about. Read about the IP behind every bride and groom's big day.
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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.