7170posts
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What the heck is 'Interoperability'?
It's an odd word with a huge impact and a key part of building A Modern Civil Service. Interoperability means making it easier for different departments to work together, unlocking potential and getting rid of things that slow the job …
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Royal Gibraltar Regiment return following successful EX JEBEL TARIK
The Royal Gibraltar Regiment has concluded its annual firing camp, Ex Jebel Tarik, in the UK and is now returning to Gibraltar after a successful and productive training exercise. The Regiment's participation in Ex Jebel Tarik reaffirms its commitment to …
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Hiking weekend for No2 Overseas Squadron (Gibraltar) Cadets
Thirteen cadets from the No 2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron Air Training Corps spent a recent weekend hiking in Finca, La Alcaidesa, Spain. Equipped with heavy backpacks and hiking boots, the group, who were conducting their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, …
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Staying compliant with financial sanctions in the maritime sector
Compliance with financial sanctions is critical for all businesses including those in the maritime shipping sector. For maritime businesses, including shipping companies, port operators, insurers, and financial institutions, adhering to financial sanctions regulations requires a proactive and comprehensive approach given …
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Biodiversity net gain now applies to small developments
This post explains how small developments must now have a positive impact on biodiversity.
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The Environment Agency’s role in Biodiversity Net Gain
Did you know there are more than 242,000km of watercourses in England? Our rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and wetlands cut across and connect many landscapes, providing natural corridors for wildlife and supporting a wealth of biodiversity. However, our nation’s wildlife …
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Charities and Artificial Intelligence
Over the past year, the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major theme for national discussion and debate, including within the charity sector.
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2024 Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories Sanctions Forum
Earlier this month, sanctions leads and implementers from across the Crown Dependencies (CDs) and Overseas Territories (OTs) gathered in London for the fourth annual CDs and OTs Sanctions Forum. Sanctions Implementation in the CDs and OTs The CDs and OTs …
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Celebrating success - Constructing the Carne Building
I joined DIO in March 2022 as an Assistant Project Manager, working on various infrastructure projects across the Defence Estate. In August 2022, I took ownership of a major project at Imjin Barracks to deliver new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) …
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From industrial decline to innovation: the transformational impact of the AMRC
The Levelling Up Advisory Council (LUAC) visited the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham, showcasing the transformative potential of investing in skills, innovation, and infrastructure. The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in driving economic growth and regeneration, and the potential of deeper devolution powers.
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Students can look forward to exam results they can trust
Growing sense of anticipation as students start the final push to exams and assessments As the long-anticipated and eagerly-awaited break for the Easter holidays arrives, the thoughts of students up and down the country will be turning to their summer …
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SEO Policy Advisors – Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) Preparedness and Response, Government Office for Science
The Government Office for Science works at the heart of Government, ensuring policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking. It's an exciting time to join the organisation; we have outstanding and high-profile positions …
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Companies House Campus: sharing user-centred thinking across the organisation
Companies House Campus is an education hub designed to help colleagues gain a better understanding of user needs. Find out how it's adding value.
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Mapping our natural assets: the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme
Sarah Adcock and David Jones, Senior Responsible Owners for Defra's Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme explain why building a picture of our natural assets and their benefits is the first, crucial step in protecting our environment.
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Bridging the UK SME Finance Gap: Oliver Wyman report offers solutions
Oliver Wyman's report, commissioned by the Levelling Up Advisory Council, identifies regional disparities in UK SME access to finance. The report highlights factors contributing to these disparities and provides recommendations to create a more balanced distribution of finance across the UK, aiming to unlock untapped potential and drive economic growth.
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Quicker delivery on ministerial commitments using cloud architectures and fast flow principles
Our Portfolio Chief Technology Officer for Data Services and Analytics, Dimitris Perdikou, explains how we’re harnessing cloud native architecture and redesigning our teams so we can adopt and use data faster than ever before.
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Defra’s response to coverage on Thames Water
Today’s blog covers Defra’s response to media coverage on Thames Water.
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Exploring the power of generative AI - insights from our hackathon.
Fahad Anwar, Head of the Software Engineering Practice at the ONS, provides an overview of the 3 day hackathon on the use of Generative AI (GitHub Copilot) and shares valuable insights into the significance of embracing AI in the pursuit of enhanced productivity and innovation in software development.
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2023 Event Duration Monitoring Data Publication
Today (Wednesday 27 March) we have published storm overflow (Event Duration Monitoring data) for the 2023 calendar year. Event Duration Monitors record the number and duration of spills from storm overflows. To view mapped data visit Storm Overflow Spill Frequency (arcgis.com) …
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Inspiring the next generation of women in infrastructure and construction
Image: Dr Jo Jolly, Deputy Director - Head of Project Futures, Infrastructure and Projects Authority, Cabinet Office (Photo credit: Ollie Rudkin) This year’s International Women’s Day theme was #inspireinclusion, so we spoke with some of the Infrastructure and Project Authority’s …
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Amalgamation or merger – what’s the difference?
A look at applications for amalgamation and mergers of title, plus the differences between them.
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Three...Two...One...Get Hacking!
Don’t worry, I’m not referring to unethical hacking, this type of hacking can bring a whole host of benefits in helping us secure our digital future. If you haven't guessed, I’m talking about hackathons. But why exactly is this important …
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How we're upgrading school buildings across England
We’ve allocated over £17 billion since 2015 for keeping schools all over the country in good condition. That includes £1.8 billion for the 2024-25 financial year. Most of the funds are given to local authorities, large multi-academy trusts, and large voluntary aided …
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MANIFEST: Artists, policy and the process of making change
As part of our 10th anniversary year, this blog reflects on some initial outputs and outcomes of MANIFEST, a Policy Lab initiative supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council to bring outstanding UK-based artists into policy processes. Over the …
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Fast-tracking woodland creation in low sensitivity areas
Our Principal Advisor for woodland regulations looks at what version 4 of the England Woodland Creation Low Sensitivity Map, and starting to fast-track woodland creation applications in low sensitivity areas, means for tree planting.
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Our new powers to challenge and change company names
We're running stronger checks on company names which may give a false or misleading impression to the public. Find out how this may affect you or your company.
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Water company employees: How to report serious wrongdoing to the Environment Agency
Today, Tuesday 26th March, the Environment Agency (EA) has launched a new whistleblowing portal enabling water company staff to report environmental wrongdoing by their own organisations and industry. Our message to water company workers is that if you suspect the …
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How we’re improving support for children and young people with special education needs
All pupils should have access to the resources and support needed to fulfil their potential. Last year, we unveiled an ambitious plan, which set out our aims to change the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision system …
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Promoting the vote is social work in action
To support social work colleagues to promote people’s right to register and vote in elections, BASW, Learning Disability England, the National Principal Social Worker Network for Adults and Bradford Council, supported by the My Vote, My Voice campaign, have launched a Practice Guide to Promote the Vote. Find out more...
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Why we’re putting area limits on some SFI actions
Since we opened the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for applications, we’ve continued to refine the scheme. One of the things we’ve been monitoring is the impact of those actions which take land out of food production. In this post, we’ll explain why we’re putting area limits on some SFI actions.
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Horticultural farmers and growers in England – apply for an FETF grant today
With the deadline fast approaching, I want to encourage horticulture growers and farmers in England – and contractors to them – to consider applying for a grant offered through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024 (FETF).
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Successful hockey training camp for Army U25's
The Army’s U25 Men’s Hockey Team were in Gibraltar at the end of February to take the opportunity to play some competitive matches ahead of their Inter-Services tournament in Aldershot in March. The Army U25’s Hockey Team won the indoor …
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How AI assurance can support trustworthy AI in recruitment
Today, DSIT’s Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (RTA) is pleased to publish our guidance on Responsible AI in recruitment. This guidance aims to help organisations responsibly procure and deploy AI systems for use in recruitment processes. The guidance identifies key considerations …
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How we are ensuring boys and girls have the same opportunities for school sport
Being active can have a hugely positive impact on children’s physical and mental health. Announced on International Women’s Day last year, our plans also make it clear that girls and boys should be able access the same sports. We have also …
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Tools and information to support the delivery of nutrient mitigation published
We are pleased to share a couple of products published to support the delivery of nutrient mitigation schemes across the country. These include our improved Nutrient Neutrality Budget Calculators and a page of technical Information on Nature-Based Solutions as Nutrient …
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What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school
Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It’s an infection that spreads very easily and for some people can cause serious problems. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s …
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We Are Strategic Command with Toby Andrews
Flying Officer Toby Andrews, Innovation Scout in the jHub, talks about the impacts of his career in innovation. Interviewer: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role? Toby: I’m Flying Officer Toby Andrews, and I am an …
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Three months into the year, and three big steps forward
2024 is just three months old, but there have already been three huge steps forward for Britain’s nuclear renaissance. If you missed the nuclear news so far, here’s a summary.
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GSE Leadership Values: Masterclass review
The GSE Profession delivered its first Masterclass on GSE Leadership Values in London on 12 February 2024. Professor Andrew Curran (HSE) facilitated the event alongside four key SCS speakers: Robert Bradburne (Defra), Natasha Grant (CO), Damitha Adikaari (DESNZ), and Mary …
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Dragons' Den IP Blog - Series 21 Episode 12
We’ve reached episode 12 of series 21 of Dragons’ Den and the hunt is on to find the next money-making idea.
This week, Dragons’ Den featured an automatic shower cleaner that could have you ditching traditional bathroom cleaning products, and one entrepreneur making it her mission to make beans the stars of the show and not just the side dish!