6577posts
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Coverage of BBC investigation into potential illegal dry spills by water companies in 2022
There has been expected coverage by the BBC on their investigation into England’s water companies discharging sewage when the weather is dry. The investigation suggests 6000 possibly illegal spills occurred during 2022. The coverage notes that three water companies shared …
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DIO's links to D-Day - Tom's story
As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we at DIO are reflecting on our own experiences and stories of the invasion. Tom Niblett, from our External Communications team, has shared his family’s experience. Tom’s granddad, Thomas Payne was part …
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Alchemy Technology Services Receive The King's Award for International Trade
Alchemy Technology Services is a global centre of excellence specialising in insurance software implementation and professional services. Founded as start up in September 2018 in Derry/Londonderry, Alchemy has grown from a staff of zero to over 200 based in Northern …
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Vyta - Northern Ireland Business Receive King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development
Established in 2001, Vyta is a global leader in IT Asset Disposition and Lifecycle Management (ITAD and ITALM), offering comprehensive, sustainable, compliant and totally secure solutions covering the entire IT lifecycle in over 50 countries around the world. In 2023, …
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D-Day Map used by Eisenhower still stands in DIO building
In June 1944, the official order to launch the Normandy Landings was made from a small room in an Officers’ Mess. That room, and the history it holds, is cared for by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) as part of …
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New evidence Asian hornets overwintering in UK
There has been widespread coverage this morning across BBC Breakfast, the Times, the Telegraph, the Guardian and the Daily Mail focused on new evidence Asian hornets have overwintered in the UK. Genetic analysis conducted by APHA’s National Bee Unit, found that three Asian hornets queen’s trapped last month in Sussex are the offspring of a nest that was destroyed in the area, in November 2023.
Whilst this is the first evidence of Asian hornets overwintering in the UK, it is not considered to be strong evidence of an established population.
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DIO commemorates 80 years since D-Day
This year, the UK will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944. There will be a series of major events across the UK and in France. D-Day saw the Allied Forces mount a large-scale invasion …
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Operation Nightingale: Digging Band of Brothers
Defence Infrastructure Senior Archaeologist Richard Osgood led an Op Nightingale Dig at a site in Aldbourne, Wiltshire which has significant links to the preparations for the D-Day landings. The dig, which aligns with the 80th anniversary year of D-Day landings, …
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Reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
Reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Week last month, it was an opportunity to focus on the importance of mental health. Mental health covers a wide variety of conditions, and a quarter of people or more will at some point have …
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How this wall was used to prepare for the Normandy Landings
Hidden away deep in the Surrey countryside sits a piece of iconic British history. A structure that Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) proudly cares for that helped the Allies prepare for the D-Day landings in 1944. A replica of the Nazi-built …
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We're pausing the Environment blog
Due to the pre-election period, the Environment blog will be quieter than usual.
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How content-first design can improve the customer experience
At the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), we are committed to innovating to find solutions to our end users' problems. Our user-centred design (UCD) team of user researchers, content designers and user interaction designers guide teams to improve experiences and engage …
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Greg’s passion for improving health and following the evidence
Greg Fell brings public health passion and expertise to key role on the UK NSC.
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Anglian Water Services Ltd convicted in case brought by Environment Agency
Update on Environment Agency court case against Anglian Water
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Making the move to digital for training logs
Chris Price discusses the move to digital for training logs and how testers need to record their annual training going forwards.
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George from RPA's Grants Service tells us about the training course at the Allerton Project
George from RPA’s Grants Service team talks about the two-day training course he attended at the Allerton Project in Leicestershire. The Allerton Project is a 320 hectare demonstration farm which researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the …
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Environment Agency explains that pollution in Windermere is reducing but more needs to be done to tackle all sources of pollution, not just sewage
Andy Brown, Environment, Planning and Engagement Manager at the Environment Agency, explains that pollution in Windermere is reducing but more needs to be done to tackle all sources of pollution, not just sewage.
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Meet the Modern Civil Service: Carol Bernard
What does A Modern Civil Service mean to you? It means a number of things. I'm part of the Government People Group so for me, A Modern Civil Service is all about people. Within the Civil Service we have …
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How sharing your experience helps to improve the Digital Registration Service
Every upgrade we have made to the Digital Registration Service since 2021 has depended on the involvement of conveyancers, legal professionals and other service users. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken part.
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High court ruling on Farming Rules for Water
Today we are looking at today’s high court ruling on Farming Rules for Water
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Draft determinations for water companies
The economic regulator of the water sector Ofwat has confirmed it will delay its publication of water company draft determinations until 11 July 2024.
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RPC provides greater transparency on Government Impact Assessments
The RPC has today published a summary table of the ratings in its opinions on impact assessments published over the past few years. This is a further step in making the Better Regulation Framework as transparent as possible.
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Our Natural Health Service
By Esther Smith, Senior Adviser, Health and Environment, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team The links between health and nature have arguably never been clearer. The healing power of nature is taking centre stage for people’s health and nature’s recovery …
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Data protection in a borderless digital landscape
Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) have become an increasingly important policy priority for governments, multilateral organisations, and the data privacy expert community. PETs refer to a range of digital technologies and techniques that enable the collection, processing, analysis, and sharing of …
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Did you know...? The Operational Delivery Profession
The Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the Civil Service’s largest profession, with its members making up over half of the Civil Service workforce. They provide services to millions of citizens at home and abroad. It’s likely that you’ll find ODP …
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TOM – more than just a name
Why is ICS Digital talking about TOM, what is it and why does it matter?
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Introducing ICS Digital
Learn about ICS digital, who we are, what we do and the new and innovative approach we’re taking to work with the departments we support.
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Thinking of working at ICS digital – tips for applying
Sharing some tips on how to apply for a job in the Civil Service, hopefully helping you apply for some of the fantastic opportunities we have available.
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Steps to improve water quality in England
Today we are looking at recent action taken to improve water quality in England.
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Mobilityways are proud to receive the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
Mobilityways is a climate-tech organisation and social enterprise that enables large employers to measure, reduce and report their commuter emissions. Founded as Liftshare in 1998, we have helped to remove over 1.5 billion miles from UK roads since our inception – …
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Reducing Net Migration Factsheet – May 2024
The UK has experienced high levels of immigration in recent years. Last year resulted in over 95,000 people immigrating to the UK through our various schemes for those seeking sanctuary. Recent rises are also the result of more students and …
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Join us on our mission to promote greater competition and innovation in digital markets
The largest digital platforms hold a uniquely powerful position – many of us rely on them every day, whether to search, connect with family and friends, to shop or to work. And similarly, they can be unavoidable for many businesses …
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Heads Together for enhanced brain injury support
People living with traumatic brain injuries can have many long-term needs and adult social work has an essential role in supporting them to achieve their goals. A new online resource for social workers will help them do just that.
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A Modern Civil Service hub is now live!
We’re delighted to announce our new A Modern Civil Service hub launched on 20 May 2024, thanks to an amazing collaborative effort across government. As part of building a skilled, innovative and ambitious Civil Service, we’ve launched a brand new …
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APHA protecting our borders from non-native species
Invasive non-native species harm the environment, cost the economy almost £2 billion per year, and can even harm our health. Emma Brand from the Non-Native Species Inspectorate tells us about her work in this important area.
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Hedgerow regulations now law
In a post published last month, I said I’d let you know when Parliament passed the new hedgerow regulations. Today, I’m doing just that.
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Unlocking collaboration: new ways of working in our delivery community of practice
In this blog post, Dave O'Gorman, Head of Delivery, sheds light on an innovative approach to asynchronous working in the department's delivery community of practice, and illustrates how they’ve used it to improve their community onboarding process.
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A day in the life of a 1435 Engineer
Meet Air Specialist (Class 1) Technician (AS1(T)) Matthew Cashmore. He shares insights into his life, highlights and contributions as part of 1435 Flight (Flt), 905 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) in the Falklands. Interviewer: Could you introduce yourself and your …
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This year’s Sustainable Farming Incentive offer
In this post, we’ll share details of the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and links for you to learn more.
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Why biodiversity day is every day
Today (22 May) is the United Nations’ International Biodiversity Day, but at Natural England biodiversity is for life, not just for one day. Since we were established almost 20 years ago, we have been conserving and enhancing the natural environment …