WIREDGOV

15 tech firms have been selected to pitch to military leaders for a share of £800000 to develop space innovation.

Blog posted by: Abdul Wahab Ghumra, 27 October 2020.

A 52 year old man from Hertfordshire was arrested this morning in connection with potential offences against the Bounce Back Loan scheme and other frauds.

The Civil Liberties Committee urges the Commission to evaluate “first wave” national measures to assess their impact on citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Statement given by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Peter Piot, Special Advisor to the President, on additional measures for the EU's response to coronavirus.

CBI Northern Ireland has published a new report proposing a shake-up of major planning processes. 

Financial accounts of political parties and accounting units with income or expenditure of more than £250,000 were yesterday published by the Electoral Commission.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched a new inquiry into the spending review and local Government Finance.

The talks by the EP and Council will continue on Thursday when the co-legislators will meet for the fourth trilogue on mechanism to link the EU funds to the respect of rule of law.

Blog posted by: Claire Gaskin, Tuesday, 27 October 2020.

Every year the World Metrological Organization (WMO) publishes a range of reports examining the latest evidence on different meteorological and climatological factors. 

A new, targeted inward investment plan has been launched that aims to further internationalise Scotland’s economy.

Media freedom within the EU has deteriorated recently, says the Civil Liberties Committee, concerned about journalists faced with violence, harassment and pressure.

The completion of the UK’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy will be delayed. But key decisions about the country’s cyber strategy must be taken soon.

Coding Black Females (CBF), a non-profit organisation, will take a leading role in the professional body for computing, as part of a project to diversify the tech sector.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales are looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial studying an investigational vaccine against COVID-19.

The recommendations set out in the review aim to improve the quality, nutritional value and safety of food served in hospitals.

A new science and innovation strategy for forestry in Great Britain to support the sector’s long term future has today [Wednesday 28 October] been published by the Welsh Government.

Mobile phone companies will be banned from selling ‘locked’ handsets, under a range of new rules from Ofcom that will make switching even simpler.

The new levels framework will increase the opportunity for hospitality businesses to operate during different levels of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) orders the credit reference agency Experian Limited to make fundamental changes to how it handles people’s personal data within its direct marketing services.

Jan Culshaw, Category Manager – Payment Solutions, explains how greater use of procurement cards can save the health sector time and money this winter.

Black and minority ethnic (BME) women are around twice as likely as white workers to be employed in insecure jobs, according to a new study published by the TUC today (Wednesday).

Herdsy, the cattle collar that monitors the health of the herd, is celebrating its entry into the US market with two deals set to be worth £1.4m in the next five years.

Nightclubs and soft play centres that have been closed by law since March are to benefit from targeted funding.

The Conduct Committee yesterday, Tuesday 27 October, published a report proposing that it should be mandatory for members of the House of Lords to attend “Valuing Everyone” training, the course which was introduced as part of the drive to tackle bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in Parliament. 

The Commission yesterday published its proposal setting out catch limits for fish stocks in the Atlantic and the North Sea. Based on this proposal, EU fisheries ministers will set the final catch limits at the Council on 15-16 December, to apply as of 1 January 2021.

techUK kicked-off their new Geospatial Data campaign with the online event Mapping the future of the UK’s geospatial market. Kru Desai from the Geospatial Commission...

Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday spoke with President Nicos Anastasiades of the Republic of Cyprus.

A woman who has been ordered to hand over more than £80,000 in a National Crime Agency investigation claimed £25,000 of it was found under her grandmother’s bed.

Blog posted by: Ajay Mungur, 26 October 2020 – Categories: apprenticeships, software development.

Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, has today announced Sarah (Saz) Willey has been re-appointed as Member to the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s securities markets regulator, has updated the list of third-country venues (TCTV) in the context of the opinions on post-trade transparency and position limits under MiFID II and MiFIR.

Throughout Black History Month, Association for Project Management (APM) has been using social media to highlight contributions of black project professionals to major projects in recent history.

Findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show the number of people with antibodies fell by 26.5% over 3 months.

The amount paid out in crisis grants to people in need increased by more than three quarters in the early stages of lockdown, latest figures show.

Luxembourg 27 October 2020: In the presence of European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) yesterday marked the listing of the first social bond issued under the EU SURE programme. 

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) yesterday called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to “think again” after voicing concerns over its provisional plans for four water companies’ future bills and service commitments.

The rate of detentions under the Mental Health Act in England for black or black British people was more than four times higher than for white people in 2019-20, a new report shows.

A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Twenty Welsh businesses are hoping to boost exports to Japan thanks to a virtual export market visit organised by the Welsh Government.

Communities in 7 areas across England are set to benefit from up to £178.7 million in new Town Deals.

Extra money for more than 14,000 disabled children.

NATO's Communications & Information Agency have announced a new Not-For-Profit-Framework to expand the agency's cooperation in the cyber/comms domain.

Association for Project Management (APM) member Brian Paynter, programme director for Network Rail, has been awarded the MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to the railway safety and to charity.

NHS Digital has been hosting a variety of internal events throughout October to celebrate Black History Month.

The European Commission has disbursed a total of €17 billion to Italy, Spain and Poland in the first instalment of financial support to Member States under the SURE instrument. 

This morning the WRC, CBI Wales and ACS has presented the Welsh Government with our recommendations to resolve the confusion over non-essential items. 

Darren Jones, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, has commented on responses from Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) on concerns regarding Bounce Back Business Loans (BBLS), the Future Fund, and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

The Dispute Settlement Body of World Trade Organization (WTO) yesterday formally authorised the EU to take countermeasures against the United States.

Blog posted by: Vicky Album, Monday, 26 October 2020.

After the catastrophic Moria camp fire in Greece, the European Commission announced new proposals for dealing with migration. But there are three major flaws.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published Homicide in Scotland, 2019-20. The publication provides information on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2019-20. 

The future of the UK government’s Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy is now uncertain. In its absence, the government should consider issuing a top-level policy paper which defines a vision for the UK’s role in the world, but not until spring or summer 2021.

The government is set to enhance the safety and capacity of the A595 at Grizebeck, Cumbria, in the latest step towards levelling up transport infrastructure in the North.

Shaping Scotland’s Economy: Scotland’s Inward Investment Plan sets out our ambition for Scotland as a leading destination for inward investment aligned with our values as a nation.

On 26 October 2020, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the European Union (EU) Political and Security Committee (EU PSC) held their 12th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting, virtually, as part of their regular dialogue within the framework of Article 17 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the AU – EU partnership. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU and Chairperson of the AUPSC for October 2020 and H.E. Ambassador Sofie From- Emmesberger, Permanent Chair of the EU PSC.

Retail sales fell in the year to October, suggesting a loss of momentum from September, when sales rose at the fastest pace for 18 months, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey.

This week MEPs will decide on their priorities for the 2021 budget, consider how the pandemic has affected fundamental values and hold the first European Gender Equality Week.

Blog posted by: John Edmonds – PPM Portfolio Development Manager at AXELOS, 26 October 2020.

Ofwat has warned that customers will pay more on their water bills and investors could scoop up the extra as higher dividend pay-outs if the Competition and Markets Authority confirms its position on the price review of four water companies.

Outstanding students and school leaders awarded prestigious Lord Glenamara Memorial prizes for success and contributions to their communities

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia.

The Internal Market Committee proposed a series of measures to strengthen consumer protection and enhance product safety and sustainability.

Blog posted by: GDS team, 27 October 2020 – Categories: GDS team, People and skills, Podcast.

In this case study we explain how a new department with no experience of recruiting contractors used the Non Clinical Temporary and Fixed Term Staff framework to help them fulfil their vision.

With more places entering tier 2 and tier 3 restrictions, the Chancellor has announced extra support for jobs and businesses. It’s a step forward, but there are big holes in the government's plan.

UK Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands co-hosts the 23rd UK-Taiwan trade talks.

Share your views on proposals to reduce inequalities.

MPs on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee have branded the UK Government’s proposals to tackle Troubles legacy cases as ‘unilateral and unhelpful’ and condemned the lack of consultation with victims’ groups in an interim report published yesterday.

When we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic shortages of doctors could be thrust to the centre of the political debate, says new research from the Institute of Economic Affairs, authored by Mark Tovey. While population growth and ageing have increased demand, demographic factors could mean a staffing crisis is on the horizon.

As part of Team Europe's response to COVID-19 in Malawi, the European Union has allocated €39 million to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK SPF has awarded the 26 GHz research study contract to Real Wireless.

Upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections combined with constitutional changes make the Central Asian state’s future even less predictable than usual.

Eligibility extended for parents eligible for 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare offers.

Young people have pitched their game-changing ideas to space industry experts to be in with a chance of turning their innovative ideas into reality.

The Patients Association is urging the NHS and Government to maintain care for all patients who need NHS treatment and social care, and people affected by the wider economic and political consequences of COVID-19. This includes people who are already in poverty and at risk of worse health outcomes as a result, and those who need support in order to be able to self-isolate.

The situation on the Greek islands following the destruction of the Moria refugee camp will be the focus of a debate in the Civil Liberties Committee this afternoon.

An urgent cash boost to struggling families is vital to improve the lives of millions of children and spare up to 700,000 from living below the poverty line as the pandemic continues, says a new analysis by IPPR in a joint project with the TUC. 

Blog posted by: Scott Fraser, 26 October 2020.

With the Atlantic continuing to dominate the UK weather forecast, we can expect the rest of the month to remain unsettled with heavy rain and strong winds, interspersed with brighter periods.

Millions of NHS patients and staff will benefit from tastier, healthier and better-quality meals following an independent review of hospital food.

Families and children are being urged to avoid guising this Halloween to minimise the risk of spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Robert Hawkes from Elevate, a supplier on our MSTAR3 framework (653F) discusses four reasons AI-driven recruitment will benefit charities.

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, said: “No young person should have to go hungry and ensuring vulnerable pupils are provided for is a top priority for councils.”

Among economists in UK universities, nearly a quarter (24 per cent) doing research are from non-White backgrounds, an increase of 5 percentage points since 2012. This is higher than academia overall and the general population. Reflecting a broader pattern in UK academia, Chinese and Indian ethnicity individuals are overrepresented, while Black individuals are underrepresented.

The EU’s future farm policy should be more flexible, sustainable, and crisis-resilient, so that farmers can continue to deliver food security across the EU.

Blog posted by: Amanda Hinkley, 26 October 2020 – Categories: A great place to work, Health and wellbeing, Occupational health.

The Sunday Times ran a story alleging that frail and elderly patients were denied care by clinicians in wave one of the coronavirus pandemic, in part because clinicians drafted a triage tool for use if the NHS was overwhelmed.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into allegations individuals within the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) abused their position to affect ongoing investigations has found no to case to answer and has led to changes in working practices.

Rick Blackmore, CBI East Midlands Director, yesterday commented on the news that Nottingham – and parts of the surrounding area – will enter tier 3 from Thursday.

Three flagship venues will receive funding as part of the ongoing emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) support for cultural and heritage organisations.

During the October Plenary Tony Lavender recently (23 October 2020) announced that Dr Abhaya Sumanasena is succeeding him as Chair.

A further £75 million of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund is being awarded across all corners of the country. The investment will go to 35 of the country’s leading cultural organisations and venues.

NEPO has launched a Perception Survey to help us understand how NEPO is perceived by our stakeholders, whether our key messages are effective, and how we can best meet expectations.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed recently (23 October 2020) in Tokyo.

Momentum builds for campaign aimed at increasing racial and ethnic participation in senior leadership.

The UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO, Julian Braithwaite, delivered this statement to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body under the following agenda item: 'United States – Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (Second Complaint).'

Corporate Partners of APM put their questions on agile to an expert panel at a recent virtual event – Agile in Real Life.

The Treasury Committee completed an inquiry into economic crime in the previous Parliament.

The Council recently (23 October 2020) reached agreement on a partial general approach on the proposed European climate law. 

Construction has begun on a major new government hub in Peterborough, Cabinet Office Minister Julia Lopez has announced today.

As the clocks went back on saturday to mark the beginning of winter, the TUC is calling for better pay and conditions for night-workers – including the 1.8 million key workers who regularly work nights.

Administration charge fees removed from rail Advance tickets.

Clinical and scientific review in the light of the latest evidence of the state of the epidemic in Scotland.

The threat of terrorism is not over, and neither are the factors which feed the violence.

New guidance for councils has been published to help ensure care leavers have the stable homes they need, and prevent them from becoming homeless.

A survey released by Public Health Wales has revealed that 76 per cent of people believe they are more likely to catch Coronavirus from people they don’t know, such as people in shops, supermarkets and public places, rather than their family or friends.

As Wales moved into the “firebreak” lockdown at weekend, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, called on communities to come together in a safe way to support those who are most vulnerable among us.

CBI Scotland recently (23 October 2020) responded to new ‘five-tiered’ lockdown system.

The Council endorses the objectives of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 and the nature protection and restoration targets contained therein, which aim at setting biodiversity on the path to recovery.

Emerging professionals and rising stars in the project community connected with their peers online and discussed some of the most pressing issues facing the profession at a recent event.

Rare images of mountain lions, jaguars and ocelots have been captured by a British Army wildlife monitoring programme in the heart of the Belize jungle.

Iconic arts venues and cultural organisations get £75 million boost from Government's Culture Recovery Fund with 70 per cent of awards outside London.

The SFO recently (23 October 2020) published a chapter from its handbook which offers comprehensive guidance on how we approach Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), and how we engage with companies where a DPA is a prospective outcome.

The Council yesterday adopted conclusions calling on the Commission to swiftly draw up a pandemic and other major crisis contingency plan for the European freight transport sector. 

The Innovation Agency has appointed Dr Phil Jennings as chief executive, four years after he joined the organisation as medical director, later becoming deputy chief executive.

Blog posted by: Rasha Akar – Social Media Lead, Axelos, 23 October 2020.

The TUC recently (Friday) called on the government to stop using EU state aid rules as an excuse for its “repeated” failure to invest in jobs and industries in held-back parts of the country.

West Midlands Combined Authority will prepare a Games Transport Plan ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (23 October 2020).

New approach to ensure dignity, fairness and respect.

Trade unions in Wales are again demanding that the UK Government urgently raises wage support to 80% for the full firebreak period.

More than 200 UV light sanitising devices are being installed on 110 escalators on the London Underground network.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has lent her support to campaigns encouraging local communities to make gardens 'hedgehog-friendly'.

Howard Ryland, National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, discusses his experience as a NICE scholar.

In a troubled period marked by the coronavirus pandemic, trust in the EU remains stable and Europeans trust the EU to make the right decisions in response to the pandemic in the future.

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has called on employers to use extra Welsh Government funding to protect workers at risk of falling through a gap in UK government wage support schemes.

The FCA yesterday publicly censured Aviva plc for making an announcement that had the potential to mislead the market.

A 57-year-old man has been jailed for a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine worth nearly £3 million concealed in customised exhaust pipes which the NCA believe was destined for Northern Ireland

The UK Government funding grant could help tackle climate change and terminal diseases by providing a to fund scientific research and vital equipment.

A manufacturing facility for civilian and surgical masks has been launched by Lancashire family business Issa Group. The new facility, Walton Mill, is based in the heart of Lancashire.

Thousands of rural homes and businesses across Scotland have been given access to more financial help to get top-of-the-range broadband speeds

Taskforce recommendations published.

Inquiry finds CAWRM trustees failed in their legal duties

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses to an incident where a man and a woman were detained by police officers on Loughton High Road, Essex, around 2pm on Saturday 3 October.

An NHS trust and two innovative suppliers claimed top honours at this year’s NHS in the North Excellence in Supply Awards.

HM Revenue and Customs is reminding Self Assessment customers to complete their tax return before the deadline of 31 January 2021.

Dog toy company Kong has paid £4,930 towards environmental projects after it admitted failing to recycle sufficient packaging waste at its Salisbury premises.

Peter Freeman appointed to lead the government's housing delivery agency.

Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, responded to the Skills for Care report on the social care workforce 

In a virtual session of NATO Defence Ministers, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace held discussions on a number of issues impacting the alliance.

Support linked to strategic framework.

​The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is calling for improved community-based capacity and capability across education, health and care for people with a learning disability, autistic people and or a mental health condition, after a review found undignified and inhumane care in some hospital settings providing complex care.

Plans which will mean animal abusers could face up to five years in prison move a step closer.

New measures announced to boost the quality of and streamline qualifications so students and employers get the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

The historic agreement was signed today

Five level plan to vary rules for rapid but proportionate response to COVID-19.

The FCA has confirmed the introduction of measures to support some closed book mortgage borrowers, some of whom may be mortgage prisoners. 

A pilot programme monitoring coronavirus in Wales’ sewage systems is finding that virus spikes in the community can be detected in local waste water.

Firms will need to take action ahead of the end of the transition period.

Testing capacity on track to reach 65,000.

APCC Mental Health & Custody Lead Matthew Scott, PCC for Kent, and Deputy Lead Martyn Underhill, PCC for Dorset, respond to IOPC Deaths Following Police Contact report 19/20

Our Linen and Laundry framework launched earlier this year and includes a ‘lot’ dedicated to cleanroom laundry solutions.

The FCA and PRA have fined Goldman Sachs International (GSI) a total of £96.6 million (US$126 million) for risk management failures connected to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and its role in three fund raising transactions for 1MDB. The FCA and PRA fines are part of a US$2.9 billion globally coordinated resolution reached with the Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GSG) and its subsidiaries.

Government-led programme is providing an early warning of coronavirus outbreaks by monitoring sewage and sharing data with NHS Test & Trace

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is the independent public body which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

EU cyber sanctions against Russia following a 2015 attack on Germany's Parliament have been welcomed by the NCSC.

Following CMA action, Virgin Holidays has committed to refund all customers whose package holidays were cancelled due to coronavirus.

The Chief Vets from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland yesterday raised the risk level of avian influenza being introduced to the UK from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ following two confirmed cases of the disease in two swans in the Netherlands.

A new code to simplify the country’s complex sentencing laws moved a step closer yesterday (22 October 2020) as the Sentencing Act 2020 received Royal Assent.

Over 30 million people to be vaccinated this year to protect them from flu and support the NHS.

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, responding to  NHS figures showing one in six children in England have a probable mental health problem

Today the National Audit Office (NAO) reports that the government quickly developed schemes to protect jobs and support businesses financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pace at which they were designed and implemented means there is a risk of considerable levels of fraud and error, particularly for the furlough scheme.

Canary Islands, Denmark, the Maldives and Mykonos added to exempt list.

The Serious Fraud Office has reached a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Airline Services Limited (ASL), subject to final approval by the court. 

Legislation laid in Parliament setting out new rules and logos to protect British food and drink.

A visually impaired Westminster man did not have the help he needed for 14 months after the city council reduced his support package, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found.

Blog posted by: Molly Zakra, Thursday, 22 October 2020.

In the face of dramatic falls in passenger numbers Welsh Government has decided to bring the Wales and Borders rail franchise under public control.

Nick Ville, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, responded to the health and social care committee report on funding and workforce in social care 

MEPs called for the digital gap in Europe to be closed, as the pandemic exacerbated inequalities in the EU, making it difficult for many to access school education.

The Financial Conduct Authority is urging consumers struggling to make repayments due to the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19), to speak to their lenders about options available to them. The FCA has put in place a package of support for people in difficulty to ensure help is available after 31 October 2020.

Blog posted by: Martin Samphire 22 October 2020.

Sailors and Royal Marines from HMS Montrose intercepted over 450 kilograms of methamphetamine, with a wholesale value of £18 million, during a counter-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea.

NHS Test and Trace successfully reached 80.7% of people who tested positive and 75.1% of contacts where communication details were provided, latest figures show.

The Scottish Government will provide £2 million of funding to mitigate the financial challenges facing the residential outdoor education sector as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the LGA’s Resources Board, responds to the details around the further £1 billion announced for councils by the Government earlier this month, including £100 million for leisure services.

African governments need to coordinate and leverage the power of their collective voice to garner sustained support and influence global governance systems.

MEPs call on the European Commission to take the measures foreseen in EU legislation to guarantee full visa reciprocity between the EU and the US.

Following an in-depth investigation, the CMA has provisionally found that the completed merger of viagogo and StubHub will reduce competition.

England’s top children and young people’s mental health doctor is encouraging youngsters to seek help if they need it, as NHS Digital’s new survey shows there has been a rise in mental health problems in children and young people during the pandemic.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct yesterday published its annual ‘Deaths during or following police contact’ report for 2019/20.

The Welsh Government has announced it’s providing an extra £10 million this year towards supporting university students during the pandemic.

The Presidency of the Council issued presidency conclusions on the charter of fundamental rights in the context of artificial intelligence and digital change. 

The government yesterday announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.

Output volumes in the three months to October fell at their slowest pace since March 2020, according to the latest CBI quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. Output dropped in 10 out of 17 sub-sectors, with the headline decline driven by the aerospace sector.

Government launches plans to keep trade flowing after 1 January 2021.

Survey reflects pupils’ positive attitudes and respect for others.