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The Adam Smith Institute’s Head of Research Matthew Lesh responded to the Government maintaining plans to ban so-called ‘junk food’ from online advertising and before 9.00pm on television 

COP26 President Alok Sharma's video speech on averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change at the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership's 'From commitment to action' event.

This morning, the National Centre for Cyber Security’s CEO, Lindy Cameron, kicked off the first ever virtual CYBERUK event, which is currently streaming across the world, enabling the conference to reach more people than ever before.

Public and third sector organisations that want to purchase high volume cloud hosting solutions flexibly can now do so through a new CCS commercial agreement – Cloud Compute.

Ground-breaking research published in Nature Communications shows that traces of plutonium in the environment can be identified as being from global or local sources.

Remaining students to return to campus from Step 3 of the Roadmap, alongside launch of new employment and skills guide.

The TUC has today (Tuesday) accused the government of rowing back on its promise to boost workers’ rights, after ministers failed to include an employment bill in the Queen’s Speech.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, responded to the Queen’s Speech 

Science and innovation are in the DNA of Annabel Nash, project support officer and winner of the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year accolade.

Mark Littlewood, Director General at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on the Queen’s Speech

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, commenting on the Queen’s speech.

The Council yesterday approved conclusions affirming its determination to move forward on implementing the EU's security and defence agenda, enabling the EU to take more responsibility for its own security.

Salford man sentenced to 8 years and 6 months imprisonment for charging asylum seekers thousands of pounds to bring them to the UK on false documents.

YPO are delighted to launch a brand-new event for 2021, for what’s set to be YPO’s biggest ever event with around 30 different speakers and a week full of activity.

The race is on as the major Middle East powers up their climate ambition after many years of slow progress. Healthy competition could help drive genuine action.

New evidence continues to show vaccination is highly effective in protecting against death and hospitalisation from coronavirus (COVID-19).

The EA's Fisheries Improvement Programme has invested in 170 projects over 12 months to boost fish stocks, improve facilities and accessibility for anglers.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, responded to the latest Downing Street press conference 

JRF responds to today's Queen's Speech

Artificial intelligence is often described as having the potential to revolutionise financial crime detection. A new RUSI study will explore in depth both the opportunities and threats presented by AI in the financial crime context.

New legal duties on water companies and government will be included in the Environment Bill to reduce sewage discharged into waterways.

Two exciting developments which will accelerate NICE’s efforts to deliver innovation to the health and care system faster.

Residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria have access to more help from their GP practice thanks to an expansion in specialist staff.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has developed a mediation voucher scheme, whereby a contribution of up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case will be offered.

Her Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, Vice Chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to new Age UK analysis which shows the pandemic has significantly increased older people’s need for social care 

Professor Len Shackleton, Editorial and Research Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, responded to the news that £1bn of apprenticeship levy funds has gone unspent in the nine months since last May 

Geospatial Commission in partnership with Innovate UK launch phase 2 of its transport location data competition to support the future of mobility for the UK.

The EU has upgraded its legislation on the export controls applicable to sensitive dual-use goods and technologies such as cyber-surveillance tools.

Blog posted by: Christopher Poyntz – Audit Transformation Project Manager, 11 May 2021.

An online Met Office climate science conference is set to address two of the biggest challenges facing society: net zero and climate resilience.

From Monday 17 May care home residents will be able to have more named visitors and more opportunities to make visits out with no need to self-isolate when they return.

The ultimate prize for cybercriminals is to obtain access to other people’s money - so it’s no wonder that account takeover attacks are on the rise.

Plans expected in the Queen's Speech as part of the Government's 'Levelling up' agenda will be undermined unless the Apprenticeship Levy is made more flexible to allow firms to invest in other forms of accredited training and development 

COP26 President-Designate yesterday addressed CEOs at Business 7 Summit, welcoming new sign-ups to Race to Zero campaign and urging others to follow their lead.

The government is yet to deliver around half of its 2019 manifesto promises – and many of those it has made progress on are the ‘easy wins’, according to new analysis by the Institute for Government following the local election results.

A former Lancashire police officer has been jailed for 10 months after he admitted committing misconduct in public office.

Imprivata and Isosec have abandoned their proposed tie-up after the CMA found competition concerns.

TUC General Secretary, Frances O’Grady, has taken the unprecedented step of writing to public sector pay review bodies, calling on them to recognise and reward the efforts of key workers who kept the nation going through the pandemic.

New roundtables between cultural and corporate sectors to boost the arts’ recovery from Covid-19 following the Culture Recovery Fund.

This Reformer Thoughts brings together experts from the scientific research community and health and social care sector to offer their perspectives on the biggest health challenges of the 2020s and how we can put ourselves in the best position to face them.

Cllr Teresa Heritage, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board responds to government announcing a further £17 million to improve mental health and support in schools and colleges.

Report warns of ‘eternal 2020’ for end of life care services without expansion of services

The Virtual Machine Environment Replacement (VME-R) project replaced aging legacy infrastructure necessary to enable future welfare policy changes to be implemented. 

A man wanted by the National Crime Agency for eight years for his alleged role in a large-scale international drug trafficking plot has been arrested in Dubai.

Blog posted by: Miranda Keast, Monday, 10 May 2021.

Medical equipment will be sent from Wales to support the international emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic in India.

Dramatically rising demand combined with increased public expectation and more complex health needs are putting significant pressure on primary care delivery, primary care leaders across England have warned.

Contrary to the common message that retirement saving should start young, there are good reasons why the proportion of earnings set aside for retirement should increase substantially through working life for many people. Many employees experience earnings growth over their lifetimes, and would therefore prefer to save more at older ages when earnings are higher. Parents would also be expected to save more for retirement after their children have left home and expenses are lower.

Blog posted by: Noel McGarrell, Media and Marketing Data team, Cabinet Office, 10 May 2021.

Blog posted by: Siân Kitchen, 10 May 2021.

Robust new security measures introduced to prevent criminals and terrorists from accessing commercial vehicles.

Report on the Scottish Ministers progress between 1 October 2020 and 1 April 2021 on establishing a pilot of the meetings on alternatives to court and on funding of alternative dispute resolution as per the duties under section 23 (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24 (pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.

Using our Insurance Brokerage and Insurance Placement solution (964), in partnership with YPO and NEPO, is a great way to obtain insurance expertise and knowledge, procure any type of insurance including highly specialist and niche insurance, and much more. 

Failure to act on securing the future of adult social care as we emerge from the pandemic will be a ‘bitter blow’ to the millions of people who draw on and work in these vital services, a cross-party group of council leaders have said.

New research paper from the Institute of Economic Affairs warns of unintended consequences from regulating online content

The Critical Equipment Requirement Engineering Team (CERET) has been named winners of the COVID-19 Outstanding Response award at the 2021 Government Opportunities (GO) Awards Wales.

Two new co-directors have been announced to lead the research and network strand of the £147 million Made Smarter Innovation programme.

Historian and broadcaster to address world leaders and the public ahead of and at COP26 in November.

The NHS in England has confirmed that one third of adults in England have now had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

HM Treasury is providing additional financial support for councils migrating their local land charges service to HM Land Registry.

England’s regions continue to be blighted by wide disparities in productivity and opportunity which must be tackled if levelling-up ambitions are to succeed.

COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, will call on businesses around the world to take action to address climate change as the Business 7 Summit convenes later today

Guest blog: Jamie Gillan, Customer Experience Applications Director – UK Public Sector, Oracle.

The overwhelming majority (87 per cent) of people managing projects say their mental wellbeing has been negatively impacted by their main project, with a third (33 per cent) strongly agreeing with this statement. 

The fourth annual report on the NCSC’s Active Cyber Defence (ACD) programme is released.

More than 35 million people have been vaccinated with a first dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

The CBI Director-General, Tony Danker, will kick off the B7 Summit with a call for greater international collaboration on the biggest issues we all face across the world.

A joint statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 4 to level 3.

Conference on the Future of Europe: make your voice heard.

Council joins lengthening list of local authorities transferring their local land charges data to HM Land Registry.

Taskforce will investigate and draw up action to tackle these crimes.

17 million in mental health funding for schools and colleges to help them recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

A dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for the procurement of alternatively fuelled vehicles is now open and available for the public sector.

Blog posted by: Daron Walker, Health and Wellbeing Champion for BEIS, 10 May 2021 – Categories: A Brilliant Civil Service, A great place to work.

Plan requested to resolve prolonged disruption following the discovery of cracks in Class 800 Series Hitachi trains.

Schools across England will mark World Ocean Day (WOD) next month (Tuesday 8 June) by exploring the journey of plastic with the Environment Agency.

Policy towards Russia needs to be guided by the brutal realities of Vladimir Putin’s policies, rather than by wishful thinking.

More trees in urban areas will help support people’s health and wellbeing as well as wider environmental benefits, as we build back greener from the pandemic.

 Two men have been charged after a loaded gun, ammunition, £60,000 in cash and cocaine was seized at a flat in Brent Cross, North West London.

Our new Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programmes and Eye Care Services framework (RM6182) is now live.

Statement from UK CMOs lowering the UK COVID-19 alert level from level 4 to level 3.

This lists the names of people who have received The Queen's Gallantry Medal and The Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

Partners have signed up to the three 2030 headline targets set in the Commission's European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan in a joint Porto Social Commitment.

Blog posted by: Nikola Gaydarov – Digital Transformation Director, 07 May 2021.

More than a million children and young people will have access to mental health support at school, as the NHS rapidly expands services to help deal with the huge disruption caused by coronavirus and lockdown.

International leisure travel from England no longer illegal from 17 May 2021 but strict border control measures will remain in place.

Guest blog: Martin Ferguson, Director of Policy & Research, Socitm, outlines how we can embrace digital to make positive change.

Speech given recently (06 May 2021) by Vice-President Jourová at Riga StratCom Dialogue 2021.

Two National Crime Agency officers who tackled armed suspects fleeing an illegal firearms factory have been awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

New laws to ensure the UK builds back better and stronger from the pandemic will be unveiled in next week’s Queen’s Speech.

Featuring a new essay by Robin Niblett, Chief Executive of Chatham House, and Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the US and Americas programme.

CBI recently (07 May 2021) responded to new rules on international travel.

More than 840 charities, community groups and grassroots organisations tackling social isolation have received a share of £4m to tackle loneliness

Telecoms firms need to go further in tackling customer service problems, despite the support they offered during the pandemic, Ofcom has found.

TUC Yorkshire Regional Secretary Bill Adams yesterday commented on the West Yorkshire mayoral election result.

Guest blog by Capita as part of our #DigitalPlace week (07 May 2021).

Charge extended to all businesses in bid to ramp up war on plastic waste.

Public Health Wales statement on JCVI advice on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (07 May 2021).

Dyfed-Powys Police is too often failing to record reported crimes, the policing inspectorate has said.

Digital skills are increasingly important for day-to-day life, including for communication, accessing services and employment.

New data published recently (07 May 2021) shows that government spending with SMEs continues to rise.

The FCA has launched a consultation on proposals for a new category of fund designed to invest efficiently in long-term, illiquid assets.

Blog posted by: Robert Blakemore, 07 May 2021.

The British Army will receive a fleet of 148 Challenger 3 main battle tanks as part of an £800 million contract with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), the Defence Secretary recently (07 May 2021) announced.

The government's statement following updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The fund aims to help disabled people back to sport and physical activity as and when coronavirus restrictions allow it and people feel comfortable doing so.

Remarks given recently (06 May 2021) by Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the press conference on the EU Strategy for the development and availability of therapeutics.

COP26 Alok Sharma's remarks given recently (07 May 2021) at a press conference hosted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, following the end of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.

The NCSC has published a set of principles outlining how to securely design, manage and build smart cities.

Blog posted by: Anulka Clarke, Acting Director of Regulatory Assurance, 07 May 2021.

Guest blog: Simon Freeman, Managing Director, Capita Local Public Services.

A cargo plane left Belfast today, carrying 3 surplus 18-tonne oxygen generators and 1,000 ventilators as part of the UK’s response to India’s COVID-19 crisis.

Are you currently looking for volunteering opportunities to inspire your local community to engage and learn more about project management?

NICE has issued draft guidance which does not recommend avelumab for maintenance treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer visited a leading meal kit provider in London today (7 May) to meet staff and discuss the future of the economy.

Guest blog: Phil Swan, GMCA Digital Director as part of our #DigitalPlace week.

Following the requests of Canada, Norway and the United States of America to participate in the PESCO project Military Mobility, the Council yesterday adopted positive decisions authorising the coordinator of this project – the Netherlands – to invite the three countries. Canada, Norway and the United States of America will be the first third states to be invited to participate in a PESCO project.

The ICO’s Data Protection Practitioners’ Conference 2021 was held this week, bringing together more than 3,000 data protection professionals from across the country.

Poor mental health is a growing concern in the UK, and to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May 2021), OS GetOutside Champions are offering advice about how physical activity outdoors can improve both your mental and physical health.

COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma, praised the leadership Denmark is showing on climate action, following a visit earlier this week.

Join our webinar sessions to hear more about the recently published project and our planned next steps to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Major shake-up of England’s bin collections to make it easier for millions of households to recycle and reduce costs for taxpayers.

A world-leading treatment that halves the risk of lung cancer patients suffering a return of the disease after undergoing treatment, is to be rolled out by NHS England.

This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we are spotlighting a National Lottery funded organisation training eight women to provide basic translation, care and support for pregnant refugee women in Bristol and beyond.

Adhering to the latest expert information, as a precautionary measure we will immediately implement the change in advice from JCVI and MHRA and offer those under 40 (with no clinical risk factors) who are not yet vaccinated an alternate to AstraZeneca.

The European Commission yesterday complemented the successful EU Vaccines Strategy with a strategy on COVID-19 therapeutics to support the development and availability of much-needed COVID-19 therapeutics, including for the treatment of ‘long COVID'.

Blog posted by: Stephanie Brain – Marketing Manager, Ambiental Risk Analytics, 06 May 2021.

The Committee has received responses to the Chair’s letters. It is unable to publish these letters during Prorogation, but will do so when Parliament returns next week, ahead of the evidence session with Lex Greensill on Tuesday.

Keeping Donald Trump's Facebook ban in place shows the vast power social media platforms hold, raising questions of whether that power is appropriately used.

Guest blog: Elizabeth Ajayi – Liz is PwC Consulting CoE lead for intelligent automation in the UK. She also leads PwC’s local public sector Intelligent Automation team which is currently supporting multiple council’s across the UK with their automation journey.

Speech given yesterday by President von der Leyen at "Celebrating 10 000 grantees" by the European Research Council.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation of a complaint by a driver who was stopped and searched in Southwark, south London, during an incident that was filmed and shared widely on social media has found that a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer racially profiled the driver prior to the stop.

Find out why the Ministry of Justice has been using the Crown Hosting data centre for over 6 years.

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee has welcomed the Department of Education’s (the Department) acceptance of all seven recommendations made in its Report on Impact Review of Special Educational Needs (the Report), published by the Committee on 25 February 2021.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued advice to the UK government on the use of the coronavirus (COVID-19) Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged under 40.

The Chief Inspector's three year plan outlines how HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) will meet its statutory purpose to inquire into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to assist in its continuous improvement.

The Islamic Festival Eid al-Fitr is at the heart of a new diversity project encouraging sustainable behaviour changes during faith-based celebrations.

Think tank calls for expansion of free school meals, healthy food voucher scheme and end to environmentally harmful foods

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Vandewiele (VDW) have agreed a €100 million loan to boost VDW's investments in research, development and innovation, as well as for improving the company's carbon footprint. 

Free e-learning package to support small organisations released.

HMRC gives advice to businesses that trade with the EU on making delayed import declarations.

The concept of a ‘responsible cyber power’ requires clearer definition and a broader, collective effort.

The FCA has fined Sapien Capital Ltd £178,000 for failings which led to the risk of facilitating fraudulent trading and money laundering. The fine was reduced due to serious financial hardship.

Blog posted by: Donna Unitt, 06 May 2021.

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, yesterday commented on the latest test and trace figures for England.

COP26 President Alok Sharma at the opening of the 12th Petersberg Climate Dialogue, which was co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany (06 May 2021).

Third annual report on progress of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education and training strategy setting out a range of actions that have been taken, despite the restrictions due to COVID-19, in support of STEM education and training provision.

We’re inviting you to join us at an exciting webinar event in May, where we provide you the opportunity to hear from our HR framework suppliers.

The European Commission yesterday proposed to support 1,200 former workers of KLM in the Netherlands and 500 former workers of Finnair in Finland, who lost their jobs due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on passenger air transport. 

Blog posted by: Brian Stanislas MBE, 06 May 2021 – Categories: A Brilliant Civil Service, A great place to work, Diversity and inclusion.

The Procedure Committee publishes the Government’s response to its detailed report setting out a procedural roadmap for coming out of the current lockdown.

Blog posted by: Esme Turner, Senior Campaigns Lead, Companies House, 6 May 2021.

Guest blog by Dr Jamie Samson, Head of Data Science and Insights, MindFolio on how the public sector can leverage the power of big data.

The Commission yesterday updated the EU Industrial Strategy to ensure that its industrial ambition takes full account of the new circumstances following the COVID-19 crisis and helps to drive the transformation to a more sustainable, digital, resilient and globally competitive economy.

Guest blog: Kate Lindley, Service Lead for Digital and Data at Socitm Advisory as part of our #DigitalPlace week.

Blog posted by: Natalie Marguet, 05 May 2021.

Blog posted by: Lily Lowe, former GCS apprentice at BEIS, 5 May 2021.

SME manufacturing output held flat in the three months to April but is expected to improve markedly in the coming quarter, according to the CBI’s quarterly SME Trends Survey.  

The European Commission yesterday proposed a new instrument to address potential distortive effects of foreign subsidies in the Single Market.

This blog comes from Samantha Chadburn, a DWP employee who shares her emotional battle with medical issues and how she didn’t let this stop her from excelling in her career.

Changing plans show how naval deployments can undermine rather than help both the upholding of international law and a strategy of deterrence against China.

New figures reveal the dire state of England's social care sector before the pandemic, with more people requesting support but fewer getting the help they needed. The data puts further pressure on the government to commit to reform of social care in next week’s Queen’s Speech.  

The Council's and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional political agreement setting into law the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050, and a collective, net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target (emissions after deduction of removals) of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990.

Russia’s supply of cutting-edge military technology to Armenia is sharpening Azeri mistrust of Moscow.

Indro Mukerjee appointed as new CEO of Innovate UK to help develop the UK's innovation capability and drive investment in research and development.

As Marshall Bailey has been confirmed by HM Treasury and the Bank of England for a second term as FSCS Chair, he shares with us the achievements he's most proud of from his first three years with FSCS. 

CBI recently (04 May 2021) responded to the new UK-India trade deal.

President von der Leyen yesterday addressed the High Level Scientific Panel for the Global Health Summit.

Blog posted by: Dr David Sweeney, CIO – Texas A&M University, 04 May 2021.

A £40 million innovation competition – the Water Breakthrough Challenge – launches today to spark ambitious innovation and new ways of working in the water sector.

1 in 8 people listen to podcasts each week according to research by the Office of Communications (Ofcom). The research also found that half of the listeners have joined the podcast wave in the last 2 years.

Guest blog: Natalie Record, Housing Lead at Connected Places Catapult on the critical role of systems thinking and digital tools to deliver net zero places.

Speech given yesterday by President von der Leyen at the State of the Union conference of the European University Institute.

The Chancellor recently (04 May 2021) confirmed that Finance Ministers from across the G7 nations will meet at Lancaster House in London on 4-5 June.

Blog posted by: Matthew Rycroft, 04 May 2021 – Categories: A Brilliant Civil Service, A great place to work, Diversity and inclusion, Faith & Belief.

The Wales TUC is calling for voters to elect a new Welsh Government that will prioritise greater workplace equality and fight to make Wales a Fair Work nation.

G7 leaders meet to identify common goals and principles that will help develop globally recognised standards for when international travel reopens.

Pakistan has had a long and complicated relationship with terrorism, but the recent Aman-21 naval exercise hosted by Pakistan is evidence of its military multilateralism.

The Government Communication Service (GCS) has launched a new initiative to recognise the achievements of government communicators in the area of learning and development. 

A new alliance between Egypt, Iraq and Jordan could bring Iraq back into the Arab fold. But Iran is hardly going to look the other way and let this happen.

Dr Ruth Hussey CB OBE DL has been appointed as interim Chair of the Food Standards Agency for a further two months from 1 May 2021 until 30 June 2021, to allow time for the Chair recruitment to conclude.

Unions representing musicians, theatre workers and actors, in Birmingham have, in an open letter to Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, pressed for a one year delay in the introduction of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone and for a support scheme for the cultural sector.

COP26 President Alok Sharma at the launch of the Adaptation Action Coalition's water tracker, at a satellite event of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2021 (04 May 2021).

Guest blog: Simon Freeman, Managing Director for Capita Local Public Services, and Chris Melia, Capita’s Customer Experience Director for Local Public Services, discuss the challenges that local government has faced during the Coronavirus pandemic. As part of our #DigitalPlace week.

Bringing communities together to tackle long-term risks about climate change.

New tender opportunity from the Defra floods and water programme.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Our category experts set out how we can support you with office space solutions with our framework.

CYBERUK is a key date for cyber security professionals, where thought leaders and technical professionals come together and exchange ideas.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found that a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer had no case to answer over his use of force on a man who was stopped and searched in London after making off on a bike.

techUK welcomes the announcement of a new Enhanced Trade Partnership -with digital being one of its key priorities – intending to begin work towards a UK-India Free Trade Agreement and enhanced collaboration in our industry.