GOV.UK blogs

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2023

Today, 23rd June 2023, marks the 10th International Women in Engineering Day, brought to you by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES). As a woman working in Engineering, there are times I’ve noticed that I’m one of few women in the …

From STEM curiosity to career: a story of success

In this blog to mark International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June, we hear from Jenn Harris as she talks about her journey to a career in construction and engineering and why the Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) programme has given her the perfect opportunity to combine her love of science and engineering.

Unlocking the power of low code in Defra

Emma Shaw, Lead Product Manager for Power Platform in Defra, reflects on her team’s journey to unlock the power of low code and enable the business to build their own apps and automations, driving efficiencies and expediting digital transformation across the group.

How we continue to support local authorities through challenging times

FSA Director of Strategy and Regulatory Compliance Katie Pettifer explains how the FSA is continuing to support local authorities through challenging times.

Securing England’s water resources: right now, and for the future

Our views on England’s draft regional and water resource management plans, successes and areas for improvement, and what will happens next in that process.

Coverage of the Kept Animals Bill opposition debate

There has been widespread coverage in the I News, Daily Express, BBC News, Sky News, the Guardian and in the Sun reporting on yesterday’s opposition debate which  the Kept Animals Bill.

Experiments in Service Assessments

If you haven’t heard of the Government Service Standard, well you have now. Those of us in the business of building digital products and services in the public sector use this framework to make sure we create the right thing, …

Learning Disability Week: dispelling misconceptions

It's Learning Disability Week (19-25 June). This year, the aim is to show the world the incredible things people with learning disabilities can achieve, smashing misconceptions and shining a light on the stigma and misunderstanding many still face everyday.

How the work of the Regulatory Policy Committee supports the Nolan Principles

Stephen Gibson, RPC Chair, explains how the work of the RPC supports ministers and civil servants in complying with the Nolan Principles

New guidance on submitting screening research requests to the UK NSC

We have published new guidance for researchers who wish to submit research requests to the UK NSC's research and methodology group.

Showing pride in business: top tips for Pride Month

June is Pride month - a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. And to mark it, Kristofer McGhee, LGBTQ+ advocate and General Counsel for IfATE, provided these tips for businesses. Kristofer McGhee is the General Counsel …

Working with landowners to prevent waste crime

I’m an Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. I joined the Environment Agency because I have a real passion for protecting the environment, people, and legitimate businesses. In my job I frequently meet landowners …

National Windrush Day: How we teach children about Black history

National Windrush Day 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the passengers of the Empire Windrush to the UK. The day celebrates the vital contribution and achievements of the Windrush generation and their descendants. The freedom and flexibility of …

A week in the life of a project delivery advisor

Lydia Randall tells us about a typical week as an IPA Project Delivery Advisor for major defence programmes, and why she chose to work in government project delivery.  What is a project delivery advisor? I joined the IPA in April …

Designing our delivery standards 1.0

Shared understanding leads to better outcomes. Head of agile delivery, Barry Traish, outlines our new delivery standards and suggests ways you can apply them to your own projects.

Windrush Schemes Factsheet – May 2023

We are determined to put right the terrible injustices faced by some people from the Windrush generation and the wider Commonwealth, which happened under successive governments. The Windrush Scheme ensures members of the Windrush generation can get the documentation they need to …

HPValidate cervical screening self-sampling study nears completion 

Update on study to help find out if self-sampling could be offered as an alternative future option alongside the clinician-taken cervical screening test

MANIFEST: What we have learnt so far from artists working in policy

Policy Lab has a history of bringing experimental and innovative approaches into policymaking. In January, we wrote about the launch of MANIFEST, our new experimental initiative to evaluate the role of art in policy. As part of MANIFEST, the Arts …

Ascension Island and Lowestoft school twinning project: Connecting the next generation of ocean advocates

Despite being separated by more than 7,000 kilometres and located in opposite hemispheres, with the diverse climates and marine environments of the South Atlantic and North Sea, a ground-breaking primary school twinning project, supported by Cefas and Ascension Island, has …

More time to suggest productivity and slurry items

We recently asked you to help us shape the list of items under the Productivity and Slurry theme of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The survey was due to close on 3 July. However, in response to requests to keep the survey open for a little longer, we’ve extended the deadline to midday, Wednesday 12 July.

Working with the ICO to encourage the adoption of PETs

Last year, the CDEI launched a responsible data access programme to address the challenges organisations face to access data they need in a responsible way. A key component of this programme is our work to encourage adoption of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies …

Data-driven success: celebrating two major digital export milestones

Programme Delivery Manager Neil Johnson shares his experiences of working closely with the Animal & Plant Health Agency to build and launch two digital services which are helping exporters of plant and animal goods.

Be inspired to try something new!

Now is a great time to explore government science and engineering. There is so much happening in this space, with ongoing innovation required to assist current and future populations. We are launching two GSE courses shortly, which explore the use …

Drowning Prevention Week: what children learn about water safety at school

Swimming and water safety are compulsory parts of the National Curriculum at primary school to make sure that children are well equipped to enjoy swimming and know how to keep safe in and around water.   As we head into summer, …

Coverage of the abolition of council DIY waste charges

Today we are looking at coverage of the abolition of charges to dispose of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres

Solicitor apprenticeships: Hamza's journey

Solicitor apprentices are outperforming those taking the more traditional academic route into law. Apprentice pass rates for the Solicitor Qualifying Examinations (SQE) are, on average, 26% higher than the overall pass rate. Hamza Islam, at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, shared …

Buying sustainable IT hardware for your school or trust

Kirsty Bridgland, Commercial Manager at KCS Procurement Services, discusses the options available to schools or trusts looking for a sustainable alternative when sourcing IT hardware.

Staying safe and protecting wildlife on the Defence Training Estate

As the Deputy Training Safety Officer for the South East Defence Training Estate, my job is to ensure that our Armed Forces have a safe place to train at numerous sites across the region. It’s a varied role that often …

Reflections from a father serving in the Falklands

Lee Okoroafo, Force Ordnance Warrant Officer for the Falkland Islands, will be spending this Father’s Day away from his family. In his role at the British Forces South Atlantic Islands base he conducts assurance and inspection, interacting with units and …

Coverage on the donation of flood equipment to Ukraine

Today we are looking at coverage of the Environment Agency’s donation of flood equipment to Ukraine.

England Tree Planting Increases for 2022/23

The 2022/23 government tree planting statistics have been published. Here we look at some of the notable figures.

Highlighting digital and green projects in GOTT’s Autumn Knowledge Asset Grant Fund round

The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) is pleased to announce that the Autumn call of the Knowledge Asset Grant Fund will prioritise projects in either of the following two themes: 1. A digital economy 2. Environment and sustainability. £5m …

Making electronic signatures and digital identity easier to use

Mike Abraham and Abbie Purslow explore the positive developments in electronic signatures and digital identity tools.

Coverage on Hunting Trophies Bill

There has been coverage in The Times  today on the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill.

We are supporting the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which will deliver our commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals. This comprehensive ban will cover all species considered to be at risk from the international trade, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, big cats, bears, primates and hippos.

Launch of the Chalk Stream Strategy’s Implementation Plan by Charles Rangeley-Wilson, Chair of the Chalk Stream Restoration Group

Launch of the Chalk Stream Strategy’s Implementation Plan by Charles Rangeley-Wilson, Chair of the Chalk Stream Restoration Group

MMO joins Operation Seabird 2023 and encourages everyone to act responsibly around marine wildlife

Here in the UK we are never far away from the coastline. Our stunning shores, sandy beaches and coastal paths attract millions of visitors every year. This brings an economic boost to local communities, and alongside the growth of staycations …

Tree planting grows in England

Today we are looking  at the latest government tree planting statistics published by the Forestry Commission.

Working to improve Norfolk’s chalk streams

Today, as the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy (CSRS) Implementation Plan, is officially launched, our Norfolk catchment coordinator Amy Prendergast tells us about some partnership projects she has worked on to help improve chalk streams in Norfolk. As a catchment coordinator …

Property and Landowners – how to avoid waste criminals

Criminals operating in the waste industry impact us all. They cause damage to our environment, distress affected communities and undercut legitimate waste businesses. As a land or property owner, you are at risk too. Waste criminals may offer you cash …

CDDO is an exciting place for a technologist like me

In our latest CDDO blog you can learn more about the Chief Technology Officer for UK Government, David Knott including his return to the Civil Service and priorities for the months ahead.