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At the end of sitting weeks the Justice Committee publishes a brief summary of its activities in the form of a weekly update.

Locally developed plan sets out how the area will take full advantage of its global assets and maximise the economic opportunities of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

The Home Secretary gave a speech on confronting extremism at the Coin Street Community Centre in London on Friday 19 July 2019.

PHE and local partners encouraged the rough sleeping/homeless community to attend a TB screening session by offering a wider range of services at the event.

Council officers leading the way in digital connectivity gain national recognition following a series of successful funding bids and successive appointments to the national body for Public Sector IT leaders.

The National Archives yesterday released files from the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Office, predominantly covering the years 1994 – 1995 but with some files from the 1950s and 1960s.

Seafood Innovation Fund will reward cutting-edge innovation.

Hundreds of people across the UK have shared their astonishing memories, photos and scrapbooks for a special compilation to mark 50 years since the Apollo Moon landing in 1969.

Blog posted by: Jane Devine, 18 July 2019 – Categories: Design, User research.

Witness testimony is a written or oral statement given by an individual who has experienced an incident.

Today the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for powers to implement rent controls.

Maritime Skills Commission to be set up to look at careers at sea and training gaps.

At Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced HM Treasury’s Future Regulatory Framework Review.

At the RAF Air and Space Power Conference, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt has outlined changes to Joint Forces Command along with an ambitious space programme.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman recently (17 July 2019) responded to the decision made by the House of Commons to allow the investigation of historical bullying and harassment complaints made against MPs.

New processes incorporate a standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) as a single, open procedure replacing the pre-qualification questionnaire and providing much greater access for SMEs. 

Researchers will benefit from new international partnerships with 15 countries as part of the Atlantic International Research Centre, thanks to a new agreement signed yesterday.

The £20 million AMRC Cymru in Broughton will provide businesses with a new level of support and be a catalyst for growth and jobs in Deeside, North and Mid Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and beyond, Economy Minister Ken Skates has said.

The unsettled weather will continue for many through the start of the weekend, however, away from Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, the weather will settle, and temperatures will increase from Sunday onwards.

Seventy-four actions to improve road safety have been published.

4G phone signal will allow customers – for the first time – to check emails, plan meeting up with friends and keep in contact while traveling through the tunnels or on Jubilee line platforms in east London.

Plan sets out how the area will maximise the economic opportunities of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday spoke in support of the GMB’s week of action to coincide with Amazon Prime Day offers.

Older children are less trusting of news on social media than from other sources, and employ a range of measures to separate fact from fiction, Ofcom research has found.

At the UN High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development in New York, the EU has reaffirmed its strong commitment to deliver on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Competition and Markets Authority yesterday published its Annual Report. 

Blog posted by: Bethan Palmer, 18 July 2019 – Categories: A day in the life, Digital skills, Legal aid.

Written Ministerial Statement given yesterday (18 July 2019) to Parliament by Rory Stewart, Secretary of State for International Development.

Basil Al Jarah, Unaoil’s former partner in Iraq, pleaded guilty on 15 July 2019 to five offences of conspiracy to give corrupt payments in connection with the SFO’s investigation into Unaoil.

Ofcom yesterday published data on the volume of consumer complaints it has received against major providers of telecoms and pay-TV services.

Locally-developed plan sets out how the area will take full advantage of its global assets and maximise the economic opportunities of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

Firearms officers who used a baton round to incapacitate a man with a crossbow in Llanelli dealt with the incident professionally, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found.

The most comprehensive list of conscientious objectors at Richmond Castle is unveiled in a new museum.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has acquired its first satellite ground control station to support future space research activities for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

In its latest report, the Committee on Exiting the EU warns that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would lead to severe disruption, pose a fundamental risk to the competitiveness of key sectors of the UK’s economy and put many jobs and livelihoods at risk. 

New figures published for the first time show what graduates earn in all regions across England.

Newly introduced programme allowed those in hospital to reduce their length of stay by an average of six days.

The UK government yesterday signed a trade and political continuity agreement with Central America.

Update from Nazir Afzal and Yasmin Khan on progress in achieving the Welsh Government’s commitment to moving towards Wales being the safest place in Europe for a woman.

The recent murders of regional officials and top federal army officers raise serious questions about Ethiopia’s ability to manage and contain various regional militias and militant formations which could threaten the country’s territorial integrity.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2018/19  was laid in Parliament on Thursday July 18th.

Announcement comes as HMRC’s Annual Report and Accounts shows HMRC in a strong position collecting record revenues due for public services.

The Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy, designed to cement the county’s reputation as one of the foremost areas in the world to innovate, has been published.

The EC has fined Qualcomm €242m for abusing its market dominance in 3G baseband chipsets.  Qualcomm sold below cost, with the aim of forcing its competitor Icera out of the market.  This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

Officers have raided three properties as part of a multi-force crackdown on a devious scam which targets the vulnerable and the elderly, known as courier fraud.

The Defence Secretary and her Swedish counterpart have signed a landmark agreement.

Government launches call for evidence seeking views on how to improve the way people and organisations can digitally verify identities.

Socitm is delighted to announce that Sandra Taylor, Nadira Hussain, Nicola Graham and Sam Smith all appear on Computer Weekly’s Most influential women in UK tech 50-strong long list.

Competition rules need to change to prevent potential new forms of consumer harm, Business Secretary Greg Clark said yesterday.

Blog posted by: Hong Nguyen – Delivery manager, GOV.UK and Richard Towers – Senior developer, GOV.UK Platform as a Service, 18 July 2019 – Categories: People and skills.

Open Europe surveys European politicians' and press reactions to the European Parliament's election of Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President.

The Home Office has released Crime Outcomes in England and Wales for year ending March 2019.

UK businesses can benefit from £100 million in grants for pioneering research and from £25 million in loans to commercialise their best ideas.

Charity regulator’s investigation leads to improved governance at Cymmer Workmen’s Hall and Institute.

RWM shares information on GDF programme with specialists of the future.

Road safety action plan to explore if graduated driver licences should be introduced in England.

Third party sales of puppies and kittens are set to be banned in Wales after a consultation showed overwhelming public support, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths yesterday (18 July) confirmed.

The Institute for Government’s (IfG) recently (15 July 2019) released its new report ‘Taxing Times’, which makes the case for tax system reform. 

Five new Local Industrial Strategies offer economic blueprints for trailblazing areas.

Prime Minister Theresa May has launched a consultation on parental leave entitlements.

74% of businesses want to see it made available to the self-employed and those earning less than £10,000.

Adults whose jobs could change due to advances in tech will get support to retrain and get on a path to a new career with the scheme's first service.

Summaries of one of the largest consultation exercises in recent government history were published yesterday (Thursday 18 July).

Councils must be clear with parents of home-schooled children whether home visits are routine or triggered by specific concerns, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has said.

Scottish Government's £941 million income tax shortfall offset by £737 million increase in UK Government funding

The Health Minister Vaughan Gething yesterday responded to the latest NHS performance statistics published.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Karen Pierce at the Security Council briefing on Yemen.

Companies House have revealed the top 10 areas in the UK where companies are late filing their accounts.

Lessons must be learnt after governors failed to act when college’s financial regulations contravened

Written ministerial statement given yesterday by the Secretary of State Jeremy Wright updating the House on Ofcom’s statutory duty to share information with Government in advance of publication, introduced under section 24A of the Communications Act 2003 (as inserted by the Digital Economy Act 2017).

Blog posted by: Jane Nichols – COO, CITI, 18 July 2019.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster yesterday welcomed the arrival of a second training squadron of state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning jets to RAF Marham, including the UK’s 18th jet.

Annual Lord Glenamara Prize in North East to expand from 2020 to recognise technical education and excellence in teaching

Statistics show tax choices are delivering a more progressive tax system. 

People across Northern Ireland are improving their mental health, learning new skills and connecting with their local community thanks to over £900,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

In a report on the governance of official statistics, PACAC argues that the dual role of the UK Statistics Authority in both producing and regulating official statistics has compromised its ability to ensure statistics serve the public good and recommends it is split into two separate bodies.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has responded to Ofwat’s draft decisions this morning on the price limits that will determine what 14 water companies in England and Wales can charge their customers over the next five years.

People are being prescribed unnecessarily long courses of antibiotics which may increase their risk of developing antibiotic resistant infections, a study has suggested.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in to the circumstances surrounding the death of Leroy Junior Medford concluded in November 2017 that two Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers had a case to answer for misconduct. 

More than £17 million of Welsh Government funding will be invested in regenerating town centres and bringing empty homes in the Valleys Taskforce area back into use.

The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is pleased to announce that the following archive services were awarded Archive Service Accreditation at a recent panel meeting, meaning there are now over 150 accredited archive services:

New UK aid funding will help prevent deaths from unsafe abortion around the world.

Call for evidence to look into if more consumers could be offered the chance to carbon offset to reduce their carbon footprint when buying travel tickets.

An NHS workforce and resource impact statement published yesterday (17 July 2019) highlights the work being done by national partners to integrate changes recommended by NICE in its updated stroke guideline into routine NHS patient care.

The Prime Minister delivered the following speech at the Police Bravery reception at Downing Street.

Speech by Rt. Hon David Gauke MP, Secretary of State for Justice, calling for an evidence-led approach to sentencing to tackle reoffending.

The government has appointed a panel of advisors to support the Infrastructure Finance Review, which will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy in the Autumn.

As many schools across England and Wales break for the summer holidays there is heavy rain and some heavy, thundery showers in the forecast.

Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin announces extra support to help vulnerable families access vital services through their mobile phones during visit to Nigeria.

A former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer has been sentenced for crimes relating to indecent images of children, following an investigation managed by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

According to the figures released yesterday by the ONS, consumer price index inflation remained unchanged at 2.0 per cent in the year to June 2019. 

Proposed police covenant will demonstrate government’s respect and support for those working in policing.

A Derbyshire man missed most of his secondary education because the county council did not support his special educational needs sufficiently, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.

Every jobcentre in the UK will have a trained domestic abuse point of contact by the end of summer, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd will announce today.

The latest figures from the NHS Blood and Transplant published today show the consent rate for organ donation in Wales have increased by 7% from last year.

Justice Secretary David Gauke today called for an “evidence-led” approach to tackling reoffending in order to crack down on crime and reduce the number of victims.

Radical cultural change is needed to end the scourge of late payments, which puts 50,000 small firms out of business every year, the Chancellor Philip Hammond said today (18 July).

Public Health Scientists from NHS Health Scotland have contributed to a paper out today which shows that mortality rates have worsened across almost all age groups against a backdrop of widening inequalities. 

An officer serving with the Metropolitan Police Service has pleaded guilty to fraud following an investigation by the Independent office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The EC has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Amazon's use of sensitive data from independent retailers who sell on its marketplace is in breach of EU competition rules.

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million to work with Malaysian partners on solutions to waste and urban transport challenges in Malaysia.

At the RAF Air and Space Power conference today, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt has outlined an ambitious space programme.

CCS is leading the project to migrate users to cutting edge, cost effective replacement services.

Are people already preparing for a holiday on the Moon? Ask Ordnance Survey (OS), who say that through the OS Map Shop the Moon map is currently outselling all other maps, including traditional bestseller OS 17 Explorer Snowdon map.

Statement on the publication of a report into trailer safety as required by the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018.

The Women in Finance Charter now covers over 800,000 people in the financial Services sector. The 21 new signatories bring the total to over 350 signed up firms.

Better evidence needed about how the fund improves outcomes for service users, says Auditor General

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday gave a speech on the state of politics.

May-N Leow from Southwark Council appointed to lead the future work of the Local Digital Collaboration Unit at the Ministry for Housing and Local Government.

A taskforce of leaders from business and environmental organisations meets for the first time to consider actions the UK can take to green its international supply chains and leave a lighter footprint on the global environment.

housands of people are set to benefit from an innovative new heart procedure to prevent strokes in younger people.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on Youth, Peace and Security.

An independent report has called on the Welsh Government to commit to a 30 year programme to reduce carbon emissions in our homes.

The National Retraining Scheme gets underway as new digital service Get Help to Retrain launches in Liverpool

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt speaks about the Royal Air Force and the space domain.

Nesta Lloyd-Jones, Interim Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the update provided by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Health and Social Care on the Inter-Ministerial Group’s work on Paying for Social Care 

Natural England is calling on the public to donate to a campaign to help restore East Sussex NNRs.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has announced the industrial partners to lead on the delivery of the SERAPIS framework agreement.

Geovation is inviting applications to its Accelerator Programme, offering firms up to £20,000 each and access to a wealth of data, mentoring and resources.

The National Lottery Community Fund yesterday [17 July] launched a new £100 million Climate Action Fund that will enable people and communities to take the lead in tackling the climate emergency.

Victims of crime will receive greater support under government plans to boost their rights at every stage of the justice system.

Rory Stewart appeared before world leaders at the United Nations to share the UK’s progress towards the Global Goals.

In the two years since the Grenfell Tower fire, the Government has been “far too slow” in reforming the building and fire safety regime and is still not doing enough to remove dangerous cladding from existing buildings. 

Statement given yesterday by Baroness Sugg on the Sustainable Development Goals at the High Level Political Forum at the United Nations.

A readout of the Prime Minister's meeting with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo.

The Local Government Association is launching its third year of the Housing Advisers Programme, an innovative scheme to help councils overcome housing challenges in their local areas, with bids invited from today.

The £5 million Police Transformation Fund money will help police test a programme that helps assess the risk of someone committing a crime or becoming a victim.

A West Midlands Police sergeant is due to appear in court tomorrow (Thursday 18 July) charged with two counts of assault by beating.

CQC have published a report bringing together the findings from our proactive inspection programme of specialist paediatric radiology services in 12 NHS children’s hospitals in England.

The Minister for Implementation, Oliver Dowden, has reminded public sector organisation that they must pay their suppliers on time.

Figures published recently (16 July 2019) show the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland is the highest number ever recorded, for the fifth year in a row. In 2018, 1,187 people lost their lives to a drug-related death. 

Families grieving the loss of a loved one will find it easier to get help to meet upfront funeral costs.

Alison Donnelly will lead a newly created directorate.

Statement given yesterday by Susan Dickson, UK Legal Adviser at the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

Unicef calls for improved humanitarian access and protection of children including re-integration into local communities and safe return to home countries

A motor industry employee who was sentenced to six months in prison in November 2018 for accessing personal data without permission, has been ordered to pay a £25,500 confiscation order in a case brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Data centres could be exempt from Phase IV of EU ETS or its equivalent, if Government implements the legislation sensibly.

The toolkit will provide MPs with the resources and information needed to encourage local businesses to begin their export journey or expand their global reach.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman did more to share the lessons from its investigations, according to its Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19.

Older people who have been the victims of crime are often let down by the police and wider criminal justice system which does not always understand their needs and experiences, according to a new report.

People in Conwy County will be able to apply for free tickets on the opening Sunday at this summer’s festival, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government.

A businessman with suspected links to serious organised criminals has been ordered to reveal the source of funds used to start and develop his £10 million property empire.​

The CIPD responds to the official labour market statistics for the period March – June 2019 published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

In the Commentary of the August 2019 National Institute Economic Review (no 249), due to be published next week, NIESR’s Director Jagjit Chadha outlined the economic shock of a ‘No-Deal Brexit’ and the responses available to monetary and fiscal policy in that scenario to smooth the path of output.

Ofwat yesterday set out a major package of investment to signal a new era for what the water sector delivers for customers and the environment.

Consumers could get back money they've lost as a result of their dealings with any of the 11 failed regulated firms (listed below) the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) declared in default in June 2019.

The President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, Michael S K Grant FBCS, has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology by Solent University. 

Ofsted have published guidance for inspectors for new series of joint inspections focusing on children’s mental health.

Panel of experts will advise on developing new, specialist National Professional Qualifications to help teachers excel in the classroom

Helping homeless people into stable accommodation.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to the launch of a consultation to improve transparency around local authority-run schools and to apply academy accountability 

Claire Ainsley, Executive Director of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), responded to news from Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell that Labour will commit to eliminating in-work poverty over the course of a parliament 

The Innovation Agency is successfully supporting small businesses to make inroads into the NHS market, according to a report.

Charity regulator opens inquiry into educational charity.

Another potentially life-extending drug combination for some people with advanced breast cancer will now be available on the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) following its approval by NICE in draft guidance published yesterday (17 July 2019).

Businesses can apply for a share of £3 million to develop important technology components that improve the efficiency of local energy systems.

Over half the population (58%) of Wales is not making any provision for their old age, new research published today by the Welsh Government suggests.

New plans to take back control of vacant high streets as a government-backed scheme goes live in 5 towns across the country.

Behaviour change to reduce single-use cup use.

Businesses are encouraged to showcase their achievements and apply for a Queen’s Award in Sustainable Development.

Research shows vast majority of school leaders clamping down on unnecessary workload, with almost half making use of the Workload Reduction Toolkit.

The UK will contribute £15 million to the World Bank's Identification for Development initiative

Technology which could improve air quality in local communities by helping the way drivers leave motorways was named today as one of the successful entries in a multi-million-pound competition run by Highways England and Innovate UK.

#FullStrength campaign calls on the next Prime Minister to commit to reforming the immigration system to avoid worsening the chronic skills shortages.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has paid tribute to the victims on the fifth anniversary of the downing of flight MH17.

Meet Leo Webster, Sales Support Manager for Apprenticeship Services. Find out what he gets up to in a typical day.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore yesterday made a speech about the strength of the UK space industry, 50 years on from the launch of the Apollo 11 mission.

Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles has hit out at the growing trend of politicians describing a no deal Brexit as a legitimate means of leaving the EU.

The Communities Secretary's speech at the Generating Good Growth in the Thames Estuary Conference.

New report considers lessons for UK from industrial transformation in Bilbao, Eindhoven and Iceland. Communities must be in control of change resulting from automation and decarbonising the economy, says TUC.

Details of the investigations concluded in the last month were yesterday published by the Electoral Commission. 

Leicester’s ArtReach has been awarded €1.3 million by Creative Europe to deliver the Europe-wide arts project, LIBERTY.

A survey of thousands of GPs reveals nine in 10 family doctors say their annual work appraisal – a regular review of each GP’s performance, carried out by a senior doctor – has helped them to improve patients’ care as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

New initiative launched in India to give startups the skills they need to grow their business and drive UK-India tech collaboration.

Andrea Peacock is a landlord and a letting agent based in Devon.

Government publishes consultation improve transparency around local authority run schools.

A report published recently (Monday) by the TUC, based on research conducted by the New Economics Foundation, looks at successful models for industrial transformation at local level. 

Retrospective review of what we have done for operators in the second quarter of 2019.

Review into roads policing and traffic enforcement to be launched.

With access to technology becoming commonplace, what affect does this have on the job market and how can the technical education sector flex to support learners within the new status quo?

The National Archives are delighted to announce that Michael Takeo Magruder will be our first ever Artist in Residence. A renowned artist and researcher, Michael will be tasked with translating The National Archives’ rich digital data sources into thought-provoking and beautiful artworks and installations.

Governor Dakin's inaugural speech delivered recently (15 July 2019) at his swearing in ceremony at the House of Assembly, Grand Turk.

Funding of almost £2.4 million for community-based projects across Wales has been awarded by the Welsh Government.

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

PM Theresa May hosted her Industrial, Infrastructure and Manufacturing Business Council at Downing Street.

The UK has announced fresh support to help deal with the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UK’s capabilities were yesterday boosted with 10 projects receiving a share of £2m to develop technologies that could transform weather forecasting and the study of climate change.

CQC have released the analysis of hospital admission data they completed for Jeremy Hunt which formed the basis of statements he made around the number of patients in good and outstanding hospitals.

A South Wales Police driver could not have taken any more preventative action than he did when a 93-year-old woman stepped out in front of his police van in Cardiff, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found.

The UK has a long-standing maritime presence in the region.

Government publishes new guidance to help local authorities recognise historic counties as a way to boost community pride.

The House of Lords Liaison Committee has today published its report Review of House of Lords Investigative and Scrutiny Committees: towards a new thematic committee structure.

Business Secretary Greg Clark announced in the House of Commons two tributes designed to reflect Lord Bhattacharyya’s life and achievements.

Statement from the governments of Egypt, France, Italy, the UAE, the UK and the US on ongoing hostilities in Tripoli and the situation in Libya.

Pay growth at 11-year high but further acceleration unlikely.

Young people with autism in East Dunbartonshire, isolated older people in Edinburgh and families affected by domestic abuse in Aberdeenshire are amongst those benefiting from a £2 million National Lottery funding boost announced yesterday (TUESDAY 16 JULY). 

As we head into the final stage of the selection process that will decide our next Prime Minister, it is worth seeing what each of the candidates’ views of the technical education sector are, and anticipate any significant changes that would form their premiership.

PHE is issuing advice to people travelling to Egypt after a number of people, including children, have returned with a serious illness caused by E. coli infection.

CBI NI Director Angela McGowan yesterday commented on the Department for the Economy inviting industry bids for £165m broadband improvement project.

The government announces a new approach to assessing the numeracy and literacy of prospective teachers.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, Helen Stephenson CBE, yesterday delivered a welcome plenary at Nonprofit Academic Centers Council Biennial Conference 2019.

Who do you think deserves the title of most influential woman in UK technology 2019? Submit your vote now.

The winners of a £2.4 million project with South Korea to explore new 5G experiences for tourists and commuters on public transport have been announced

A framework contract which helps deliver Sellafield’s decommissioning programme has been extended after 3 years of success.

Plans to increase the number of British female entrepreneurs have taken a leap forward, with major banks and venture capital firms signalling their support.

Applications have opened for a fund to help groups dispel some of the myths around organ donation in black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

The Risk Coalition has recently opened a consultation on the principles and guidance for board risk committees and risk functions in the UK financial services sector. 

Blog posted by: Chad Bond – Deputy Director, Standards Assurance and Tyronne Fisher – Senior technology adviser, 16 July 2019 - Categories: Transformation.

Blog posted by: Emer O’Sullivan, Product Marketing Manager PPM, 16 July 2019.

Geovation ready to accept applications to its Accelerator Programme.

Have your say on proposed options to revise the fee structure for HO applications.

Fourth round of the Decommissioning Challenge Fund launched.

Two thirds (66%) of the UK public support free trade agreements, with only 3% saying they are opposed.

Our annual statistical release provides information about the number of companies on the register, newly incorporated companies, and removals from the register.

The healthcare landscape is evolving, presenting new and innovative ways to care for people. 

The NHS and MPs yesterday joined forces to honour some of the biggest achievements in health and social care from across the country, honouring individuals and teams in the prestigious NHS Parliamentary Awards supported by FUJIFILM.

An independent investigation by the IOPC has concluded that Thames Valley Police (TVP) followed appropriate policies and procedures when handling a report concerning a driver’s ability five days before a triple fatal collision on the M40 last year.

As we approach the end of the feedback phase for the draft Curriculum for Wales, Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, confirms schools will receive an additional INSET day.

If you’re marking by hand, anything to make this process quicker and uniform across student work can help you use your time more effectively. 

Female employment is at a joint record high, wages surpass inflation for the 16th month in a row, record numbers are in work and unemployment continues to fall.

There were 1,187 drug-related deaths registered in Scotland in 2018, 253 (27%) more than in 2017, according to figures released yesterday by the National Records of Scotland (NRS). 

National Cyber Security Centre update on progress within its Active Cyber Defence Programme.

International Trade Secretary's speech at Mansion House in London for India day, celebrating UK-Indian trade.

The UK and US space agencies have signed a statement of intent, which paves the way for UK commercial satellite communication and navigation services to be used by future NASA missions to the Moon.

Speech by Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency Natural History Museum.

Michael Sorby, Adrian Leek and David Justice were today acquitted of conspiracy to corrupt and conspiracy to bribe.

Top UK and Indian business and finance leaders meet to celebrate strong financial services ties and explore new business opportunities.

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday spoke at an event in Downing Street about providing positive opportunities for young people.

A pupil at Wilson Stuart School, Tiarney Calder, has been awarded the Learner of the Year in the new ‘Against All Odds’ category in our Aspiration Awards. An inspiring individual, with a determined spirit and incredible drive, Tiarney is a deserving winner of the Learner of the Year – Against All Odds award.

Prime Minister Theresa May called for the UK to stay at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of electric vehicles.

A new law to reform bus services in Wales to ensure they meet the needs of the travelling public will be one of the Welsh Government’s legislative priorities in the year ahead, First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce today.

Government also confirms move to increase society lotteries’ maximum draw prize.

Each academic session the NCFE Assessment Delivery team are responsible for producing an updated version of the External Assessment Timetable covering all NCFE CACHE qualifications, which have set dates for external assessments.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responded to the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill to Parliament today 

Prime Minister Theresa May's India Day speech.

The Council adopted the following conclusions on the Turkish drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Domestic Abuse Bill to receive first reading in the House of Commons.

A project in Nottingham is set to help transform a community woodland into a creative space for exploration, discovery and wonder, with support from Arts Council England.

On July 10-11, the UK and United States held the sixth meeting of the U.S.-UK Trade and Investment Working Group in London.

A guide on how the planning system can help provide opportunities for everyone to be physically active.

A student at St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Pavanjot Town, was honoured in this year’s BAFTA awards in the Young Game Designers category after gaining skills in NCFE Interactive Media qualification.

Keith Williams, independent Chair of the Rail Review, provides an update at a Northern Powerhouse Partnership event.

The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee publishes its follow-up report on wasteful fish discarding, six months on from the EU landing obligation coming into force.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care yesterday spoke at the Bright Blue and Barnado's conference 'Left to their own devices?'.

The NCSC's Active Cyber Defence report for 2019 has been published.

The UK Government’s approach to the prevention of mass atrocities, primarily in conflict situations around the world.

Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans is today calling for the UK government to provide urgent clarity on vital future funding for Wales.

The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) for authorisation now contains 201 substances.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to Coram Family and Childcare’s annual survey on holiday childcare, which found families are charged double the cost of term time childcare during summer holidays 

PM Theresa May's words from reception held yesterday at Downing Street to celebrate the winning England Cricket team.

Communications intern Sandra Yeboah reflects on what she’s learned at the Innovation Agency in the last year.

Blog posted by: Judith Townend, Lecturer in Media and Information Law, University of Sussex, 16 July 2019.

Opportunities to gain an extra qualification, go to university, get on-the-job experience or start your career if you've just finished your exams.

TUC Deputy General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday responded to the government’s written statement on the Supreme Court decision to deny it permission to appeal the McCloud and Sargent judgement.

The government has today announced its latest measures to advance the 'Good work plan', the largest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

The lack of a credible plan to decarbonise the way homes and businesses are heated risks failing consumers and undermining public confidence, according to Citizens Advice.

Tom Henderson, IoT & Smart Cities Programme Manager, welcomes you to techUK's Cloud Week.

Statement given yesterday by Susan Dickson, UK Legal Adviser at the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on UNITAD and Daesh accountability.

People aged over 50 came together in Sheffield this week to celebrate ‘Ageing Better’, thanks to a multi-million pound investment by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Work has started on buildings that will be home to 2 US Air Force F35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath.

Consultation proposing that new-build homes are fitted with an electric car chargepoint is launched.

New figures showing there were almost 1200 drug-related deaths last year have been described as shocking by Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick.

The Council has adopted a decision on the signing of an agreement between the EU and the US on the allocation to the US of a share in the TRQ for high quality beef regarding the importation of beef from animals not treated with certain growth-promoting hormones.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responded to the Government’s response to its consultation on a new legal duty to tackle serious violence 

The House of Commons S&T Committee publishes the findings and recommendations from its inquiry into the Government’s digital capabilities.

Dr Liam Fox MP launches the world’s first international trade training scheme to grow the UK’s talent pool of future negotiators, policy makers and Trade Commissioners.

Blog posted by: John McNamara – NDA Head of Stakeholder Relations, 15 July 2019 – Categories: Innovation/savings, Research and development, Safety and Wellbeing, Skills, Socio-economic, Waste management.

Practice Guide 40 has been updated to advise a plan to a disposition or application form must be signed for registered estates.

Economy Minister Ken Skates has announced that the Welsh Government will soon be able to release an £18 million funding boost to Swansea Bay City Deal partners to begin funding a number of transformational projects in South West Wales.

The CIPD has responded to the Government’s consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace

Dan Wellings, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund responded to the 2019 GP Patient Survey and the latest Combined Performance Summary 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday launched a consultation on proposals designed to help consumers with pre-existing medical conditions (PEMCs) have better access to travel insurance products.

Yesterday’s report recommends that Ofsted be empowered to inspect trusts in order to strengthen their accountability.

Rehabilitation of offenders to be boosted by removing barriers to employment.

The government has started a consultation to transform support for sick and disabled staff and remove barriers for employers.

The International Development Committee (IDC) identifies serious failings in the preparation and presentation of UK’s first Voluntary National Review of progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The number of children and young people being treated for Type 2 diabetes, a condition normally seen only in older adults and often linked to obesity, has rocketed by nearly 50 per cent in just five years, new analysis by the Local Government Association has revealed.

The UK tax system is in need of major structural reform if it is to meet the challenges of the future, says a new report by the Institute for Government.

Last week, the Welsh Government launched its consultation on possession reform.

Blog posted by: Gareth Davies, 15 July 2019 – Categories: Better policymaking, Professions, Skilled people.

NHS Digital cyber team wins prestigious data security award.

Organisations can apply for a share of £1.25 million to devise new ways to monitor house building using satellite imagery and council and other data.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, yesterday launched a new plan to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals and the environment in Wales.

Home energy improvements for low-income families will only be done by trusted tradesmen, under new government plans.

Views are being sought on new national priorities for policing in Scotland.

Previously Executive Vice President at Menzies Aviation (EMEAI) to join London Underground from November 2019.

New government ambitions will encourage uptake of UK's chargepoint network through widespread 'pay as you go' functionality.

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England yesterday responded to the Government’s announcement on knife crime.

Blog posted by: Emer O’Sullivan – Product Marketing Manager PPM, AXELOS, 12 July 2019.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the launch of the new Media Freedom Coalition.

Technology poses some familiar and new problems for think tanks.

The Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd is in Rome for a working visit to discuss the UK’s record female employment and the role of women in politics.

A new National Action Plan on tackling child sexual abuse has been published today by the Welsh Government.

The Government has launched a new framework to help education bodies to procure ICT goods and services.

France, Germany, and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to the JCPoA.

IOPC Regional Director Sarah Green recently (12 July 2019) gave a statement following panel decision to dismiss Thomas Orchard misconduct case against officers.

The National Lottery Community Fund has today announced the first voluntary sector organisations to be awarded grants as part of its new Digital Fund. 

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt has today announced a range of new measures to address inappropriate behaviour in the armed forces.

School Sport and Activity Action Plan will help set children up to lead healthy lives.

Lochhead writes to EU Ministers on Scotland’s colleges and universities during Brexit uncertainty.

The Lord Chancellor yesterday (15 July) announced a change to the way personal injury compensation payments are calculated – setting the Discount Rate at minus 0.25%.

Emily Miles will be the new CEO at the Food Standards Agency.

Blog posted by: Eleonora Harwich, 12 July 2019.

International Development Secretary announces package to help Africa deal with climate change and move away from fossil fuels during a two day visit to Kenya.

This NCSC advisory highlights further hijacking activity of Domain Name Systems, and provides mitigation advice.

FCO Minister of State, Sir Alan Duncan, recently (12 July 2019) welcomed the decision of the Greek Government to recognise Juan Guaido as constitutional interim President of Venezuela.

The CBI responded to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee’s report on energy efficiency.

Professor Gideon Henderson has been appointed the new Defra CSA

Home Secretary Sajid Javid will this week announce a new legal duty on public bodies to prevent and tackle serious violence.

Toby Lowe and Dawn Plimmer discuss funding, commissioning and managing services in a world where relationships rather than KPIs or simplistic numerical targets are what matters most.

The first ever cohort of Unlocked graduate prison officers celebrated the success of the scheme with the Justice Secretary and the Prisons Minister on Tuesday afternoon (9 July).

Chris Skidmore spoke about opening up access to university and ensuring successful participation at Birkbeck, University of London.

More satellite clubs and greater opportunities for children to get active through their school.

Migration Minister Ben Macpherson has urged the Home Office to work with the Scottish Government and stakeholders on an immigration policy that addresses the particular problems experienced by remote communities – and proposed that Scotland pilot a different approach.

Tthe European Insurance and Occupational Pension Authority (EIOPA) has launched a consultation on its Advice on the harmonisation of national insurance guarantee schemes across the Member States of the European Union.

Two of Scotland’s leading children’s charities are amongst the first voluntary sector organisations to be awarded grants as part of the National Lottery Community Fund’s new Digital Fund.

The TUC recently (12 July 2019) warned that the UK is facing a looming skills crisis after new analysis revealed a sharp drop in workplace training.

A brief summary of the debate about alternative arrangements to a hard Irish border after Brexit, organised by Open Europe in Brussels on 11 July.

From tackling rogue landlords, helping alleviate rough sleeping or boosting community integration through English language lessons, the fund has helped deliver rapid results for communities.

Since May 2018, FSCS has been working with CRL Management (an appointed representative of BCR Legal Group Ltd), BCR Legal Group Ltd and the Alpha Liquidator to try and secure replacement cover for Alpha’s 10-year latent defect/structural damage insurance policies, which lapsed on 11 August 2018 in accordance with Danish law.

The votes of people struggling to make ends meet on low incomes are ‘up for grabs’ like never before and are set to have a bigger influence on who ends up winning the next General Election, according to a new landmark report on voter behaviour for the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon recently (12 July 2019) issued a statement following a meeting to celebrate the Commonwealth's 70th anniversary.

Home Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary host business leaders and charities to encourage more diversity in public appointments.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has today issued a consultation proposing important changes to the UK’s Ethical and Auditing Standards. 

Proposals would spread the costs of powering Shetland across Great Britain from April 2020.

A high-rolling Cheshire businesswoman caught with £1.5 million of cocaine concealed within a sophisticated hide in the boot of her car has been jailed for ten years.

The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals to develop a vibrant European Network of Artificial Intelligence Excellence Centres to enhance cooperation within the European AI research community and boost technological advancements in the field of AI.

It’s estimated that around 90,000 people could be eligible for treatment with dapagliflozin

New “game-changing” innovations to improve the capability of the Child Abuse Image Database will speed up investigations and automatically categorise indecent images.

Fifteen fantastic youth led projects are celebrating their share of over £700,000 in dormant bank account monies from the Young Start Fund. Amongst them are a bike lending library and an off-road motorcycling project, both aiming to build the confidence and employability skills of young people. You can find the full list here (PDF 0.1MB).

London Capital & Finance plc (“LCF”) was originally set up in July 2012 as a commercial finance provider to UK companies.  From September 2013, LCF sold mini-bonds, with trading significantly increasing from 2015 onwards.  Whilst it previously had an interim consumer credit permission, LCF only became fully authorised on 7 June 2016.  FSCS protection can only apply in relation to regulated activity carried out after this date.

European judges have heard a vital case which has the potential to upend the global regime for transferring personal data.

A new report from MPs calls for urgent action to address poor energy efficiency in UK homes in order to avoid undermining the UK’s efforts to meet Net Zero carbon emissions, reflecting recommendations made in the National Infrastructure Assessment.

A new project to support prison leavers into housing will help to break the cycle of prison and homelessness in Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

The Sentencing Council has published its ninth annual report outlining activities from April 2018 to March 2019.

At the Pearson Teaching Awards, Damian Hinds thanks teachers for their selfless work inspiring young people

The UK stands no chance of meeting its emissions reduction targets, including net zero by 2050, unless the Government takes urgent action to revive its failing energy efficiency policy and builders are compelled to deliver the latest energy efficiency standards, MPs have warned. 

Environment Agency teams have restocked a total of 91,000 so far to help the river recover after a devastating pollution last year

Good Things Foundation is delighted to invite Online Centres from across the UK to apply for funding to deliver the Everyone Thrives Online project in partnership with Google.org

Cabinet Office Minister Brandon Lewis visited the HM Coastguard base at Inverness following significant investment from the UK Government.

Tighter measures on the import of oak trees to come into force in England to protect the country against oak processionary moth