WIREDGOV

The capabilities of HM Forces should be determined not by budgetary constraints but by a fully-developed strategy which defines the position in the world that the UK wants to adopt, says the Defence Committee in its first in a series of reports intended to inform the next Defence and Security Review.

The Committee is concerned that there is a danger of defence becoming a matter of discretionary spending. Decisions about the expeditionary capability that the UK retains must be based on proper strategic decision making about the UK's place in the world and not simply flow from the "horse-trading" that surrounds the CSR process.

A new fund has been launched to 'help local authorities transform their services through the use of new delivery models such as mutuals and voluntary organisations'. Delivering Differently is a joint programme that will use a £1m fund to support 10 pioneering local authorities to develop & implement new models for delivering some of their services. To participate local authorities must complete an expression of interest form by 10 February 2014.

A survey before Christmas showed that 60% of the UK population now own a smart phone and 20% a tablet, and an increasing number want to use their personal devices at work.

Known as 'bring your own device' (BYOD), this trend has many benefits including increased efficiency, flexibility & employee morale. But it also carries a number of risks organisations must consider when allowing employees' devices to be used to process work-related personal information.

Deputy FM Nicola Sturgeon has marked the start of 2014, the year in which Scotland will decide its future in a referendum on independence, with a keynote speech at St Andrews University. In her speech, the DFM also set out a series of detailed questions to be answered by opponents of independence who need, she said, to publish their alternative to Scotland's Future.

Pregnant women should avoid close contact with animals that are giving birth according to Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns.

A 10-week window for the submission of applications has opened, with the guidance becoming available and the application portal opening on 7 January. Applications close at 2pm on 17 March 2014.

The FCO plans to centralise in the UK its overseas consular Birth & Death registration service by the end of 2014.

Did you know that all UK banks and building societies have to write to their customers about the Financial Services Compensation Scheme? The regulator requires them to do so twice a year. Right now many bank customers are receiving this notice. It is a standard disclosure to tell you more about the protection you have from FSCS.