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New figures released by the EC, show that imports of U.S. soya beans by the EU increased by 121% over the current market year (July 2018 to mid-April 2019), compared to the same period in the previous year.

Last month, we facilitated a two-day collaborative leadership convention for 280 staff and board members from the 43 Active Partnerships across England, plus wider partners. 

NEPO is proud to be supporting the Public Sector Solutions Expo, the UK’s must attend event for those looking to enter into, or grow their share of, the UK public procurement market.

Blog post by: Laurence Ainscough and Anusha Mata, Wednesday 17 April 2019.

This month sees Visit Wales’ first ever targeted digital campaign happening in Wales. It will encourage those with arguably the best knowledge of all, the people of Wales, to share images of the places that they love and how they enjoy them.

The EC has updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that do not meet international safety standards, and are therefore subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the EU.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid today announced he is allocating an immediate £51 million for police forces to strengthen their response to serious violence.

Dr Andrew Taylor, most recently the Executive Director of STFC’s National Laboratories, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society for his exceptional contribution to science.

Sir David Attenborough looks at the science of and potential solutions to climate change in a new BBC Documentary (broadcast 9pm Thurs 18 April 2019). 

We held 2 digital open days last week. We showcased our digital transformation, our brilliant culture, and the innovative ways in which we work.

Walmer Castle's historic 'glen' will be accessible for the first time in over 100 years from the end of April.

The Environment Agency has announced a set of new supplier arrangements and partnerships which will increase efficiency, value for money and the green legacy of its £2.6 billion capital investment programme.

Violent crime includes a range of offences, from assault to murder. It can be any action that intentionally inflicts (or threatens) physical or psychological damage. 

Indian-owned global business process management firm, Firstsource Solutions has announced a further £1 million investment in Northern Ireland.

Ministers should ban the sale of new diesel HGV lorries by no later than 2040, a new report by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) says today.

High-flying firms across the UK will benefit from a further £200 million of government support to ensure that innovative British firms can access the finance they need to grow.

Two new appointments have been made to the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, after they were confirmed by Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths.

The Department of Health and Social Care is looking to appoint a new Chair to lead the NICE’s Board, when David Haslam steps down after more than 6 years in the role, later this year.

In his 2018 State of the Union speech, President Juncker announced a comprehensive review of all passerelle clauses provided for by the EU Treaties. As a result, three Communications have already been adopted: on common foreign and security policy (September 2018), on taxation (January 2019) and on energy and climate (April 2019). The Communication on the passerelle clauses in social policy is the fourth one.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a new campaign to help holiday and travel businesses improve the clarity of their terms and conditions.

After what has been a rather cold April so far, it’s going to get warmer this week - just in time for the start of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Two Sussex Police officers who had sex while on duty have been dismissed from the force after a panel ruled their actions constituted gross misconduct.

People across Scotland at risk of fuel poverty will benefit from further investment to make homes warmer and energy efficient with funding announced today.

The European Parliament has adopted 2 important Security Union legislative initiatives proposed by the EC on interoperability and explosive precursors. 

Organisations can apply for a share of £1.5 million to help evaluate medical devices in real-world clinical settings.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington, met Speaker Pelosi of the House of Representatives.

The development of the TXA Autoinjector will allow life-saving blood clotting treatment to be given at the push of a button.

The UK jobs market has continued to grow with 457,000 more people in work in February compared to last year.

Pay growth stabilises amidst a tight labour market and Brexit uncertainty.

techUK’s Justice and Emergency Services Programme Manager, Jessica Russell, yesterday responded to the Home Secretary’s announcement.

Sir Charles Lyell’s notebooks at risk of export unless a buyer can be found to match the £1.4 million asking price.

The Annual Plan sets out the NCA’s operational priorities for the year ahead and how the NCA will lead a whole-system response to serious and organised crime.

FCO Minister Sir Alan Duncan has visited Tashkent for the second time.

The grass is green for Deeside-based business Hi Tech Turf as it has grown steadily over the past 12 years and has worked on some major projects in north Wales and further afield.

Speech given yesterday by Sir James Bevan, Whitehall and Industry Group, 16 April.

Seven start-ups using location, land and property data in their products and services have been accepted onto the Geovation Accelerator Programme.

The Food Standards Agency have been made aware of a scam in Wales and England which references both the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).

The UK is set to strengthen defence ties with India through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding, Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has announced.

School system hailed as 'unrecognisable' from a generation ago on primary school offer day.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician yesterday published statistics on Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA) in the academic year 2017-18. 

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recently (15 April 2019) issued the official translations of its Guidelines on EMIR Anti-Procyclicality Margin Measures for Central Counterparties.

Charity dissolved and charitable funds redistributed following Charity Commission inquiry into charity operating overseas

Ben Bradley, Senior Policy Manager at techUK, responds to the ICO’s draft Age Appropriate Design Code.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) wants people to support their elderly relatives or neighbours if they are receiving nuisance marketing calls. 

Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething has announced more than £11 million to transform the way health and social care services are delivered in north Wales.

Trade and Export Promotion Minister Baroness Fairhead travelled to Brazil and Argentina to discuss future opportunities for trade in the region.

More children and young people are set to benefit from nutritious meals and a place to play and socialise when schools are closed for the holidays this year.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson bid farewell to Army aviators as they took off for Estonia, where they will be training alongside NATO forces working to reassure our allies and deter our adversaries.

The Committee on Climate Change yesteray launched a call for evidence to identify relevant published information about the risks and opportunities facing the UK from climate change. 

First sectoral-focused SME dialogue hosted in the UK successfully enables shared learnings on innovation and trade for UK and U.S. SMEs in marine technology.

Four people smugglers involved in a plot to bring illegal migrants into the UK from France in a lorry have been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison.

The EU is introducing new rules to make it easier and safer for consumers to buy and companies to sell both goods and digital content cross-border.

A POSTnote that gives an overview of recent advances in cancer treatment, the potential benefits and risks, and considers the opportunities and challenges to using new technologies in the NHS.

The EU is making road transport cleaner by setting strict new carbon dioxide emissions standards for cars and light commercial vehicles. This will bring the EU closer to achieving its climate targets, and will make sure that car manufacturers contribute to the greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts.

Statement by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP, on financial assistance for Ireland.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) yesterday launched a call for evidence to identify relevant published information about the risks and opportunities facing the UK from climate change.

The 2019 Festival call is now open for applications. You can request up to receive up to £1,000 in funding, to organise a public engagement event. To be eligible your event must be held in the Festival week, which runs from 2-9 November 2019.

Jungle celeb and TV presenter, Nick Knowles, and trainer to the stars, Professor Greg Whyte help Ordnance Survey launch film to inspire a nation to get active.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, commented on children today being offered a primary school place 

Blog posted by: Gemma Hutley, 15 April 2019 – Categories: Our services, User research.

Speech given yesterday by the Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP at the Kindertransport conference.

Projects that could strengthen the UK aerospace industry through new technologies are invited to participate in a regular competition.

NHS Digital and NHS England collaborate with IT suppliers to launch groundbreaking new service.

Last weekend [Sunday 14 April] Scottish Secretary David Mundell led thousands of people through the streets of Budapest for the 2019 March of the Living Hungary.

Letters exchanged between Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Stephen Haddrill, CEO of the FRC, have been published. 

Dr Fox announces £1 billion increase in support on offer from UK Export Finance for British firms exporting to Iraq.

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

The EU is taking steps to increase the number of TV and radio programmes available online for European consumers. The Council has adopted a directive which will facilitate the licensing of copyright-protected material contained in such programmes so that they can be made available throughout the EU.

Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

RAF Northolt’s runway has closed for 6 months as planned so that resurfacing works can take place.

Government to offer access to free sanitary products in England’s primary schools from early 2020.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released Social Tenants in Scotland 2017, the third annual statistical compendium publication on social tenants and social rented housing in Scotland, covering topic areas such as stock, household characteristics, housing flows, and rents and income levels.

Tips on how to enjoy the river without incident.

A Local Government Association spokesperson, responded to the Government’s announcement that landlords will no longer be able to unfairly evict tenants

techUK's Ben Bradley, Senior Policy Manager, offers an insight into the Government's Online Harms White Paper.

Seven start-ups using location, land and property data in their products and services have been accepted onto the Geovation Accelerator Programme.

The National Crime Agency yesterday released CCTV footage of an organised crime group boss who fled before he was convicted and sentenced to 11 years.

£2 million available through the Defence and Security Accelerator for innovative Space ideas.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths has announced £550,000 from the EU transition fund for a Wood Kiln Investment Scheme (WKIS).

An LGA spokesperson, responded to analysis published by Which? calling for a product safety shake-up to tackle unsafe products

The Council has adopted a directive that modernises existing EU copyright law to pave the way towards a true digital single market.  The new rules ensure adequate protection for authors & artists, while opening up new possibilities for accessing & sharing copyright-protected content online throughout the EU.

The UK risks stumbling into the next phase of negotiations with the EU without a plan, putting the country at an unnecessary disadvantage, according to a new report by the Institute for Government.

Patients will be safely spun in a ‘human centrifuge’ by researchers who hope to help maintain the size, quality and strength of muscles.

Welsh bioresearch company, Agroceutical Products, grows and harvests daffodils in the Black Mountains to help Alzheimer’s patients.

Learners on the NCFE Level 2 and 3 Diploma Entry to the Uniformed Services at Suffolk New College are gaining skills for a wide range of occupational roles in Public Services.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on Yemen.

Free sanitary products will be available in schools across Wales thanks to £2.3 million Welsh Government funding, the First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

Citizens Advice has responded to the government’s announcement that it will consult on scrapping section 21 “no-fault” evictions in the private rented sector.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation, responds to news that the Government plans to ban no-fault evictions

Following a pollution incident in summer 2015, a Stoke-on-Trent company has donated £150k to help restore a river.

Blog posted by: Jonathan Jones, 15 April 2019 – Categories: A great place to work, Civil Service Leaders.

Private (Pte) Arthur Burt who served with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, has been honoured and has finally been laid to rest

Biggest change to the private rental sector for a generation.

Continued opportunities for EU citizens to live and work in Scotland are essential to rural and coastal Scotland’s continued success and sustainability, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has said.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to latest ONS figures published yesterday on teenage pregnancies in England and Wales for 2017.

The running costs of the government’s proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks cans and bottles is a very expensive way of achieving very little, a new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs reveals.

The closures have been planned over the traditionally quieter Easter weekend to minimise disruption to customers as much as possible

Blog posted by: Martin Stretton – Director at NOVO, 15 April 2019.

A new digital portal is being introduced by the NHS and councils which allows health and social care staff to see how many vacancies there are in local care homes, saving hours of time phoning around to check availability and helping people to get the right care or return home as quickly as possible.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has launched an online game to recruit more than 60 staff to work in Cyber and Information Systems.

An additional 21 community hubs and learning centres are to be provided throughout Wales thanks to a £15m Community Hubs Capital Grant fund announced by Education Minister Kirsty Williams yesterday.

Sasha Fuller, Head of External Affairs at the Department for Work and Pensions, writes about her experiences on the Inspire programme, and why you should apply to join it.

The UK, US and Norway yesterday issued a joint statement on the situation in Sudan.

Free Wi-Fi is now available at one of London's busiest bus stations for the first time.

NEPO was delighted to see SME supplier, Bloom Procurement Services, scoop the ‘Let’s Grow’ award at the recent Northumberland & Tyneside North East Business Awards.

Today we’re setting out the standards expected of those responsible for designing, developing or providing online services likely to be accessed by children, when they process their personal data.

Black and minority ethnic workers are far more likely to be trapped in temporary and insecure work, according to new TUC analysis published recently (Friday) at the start of its annual Black Workers Conference. 

The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, spoke on what has been done to tackle violent crime.

Security experts are calling on cutting-edge tech entrepreneurs to help develop the next generation of cyber security solutions.

The Secretary of State for Justice announces the appointments Legal Services Board members.

The courts recently (12 April 2019) upheld that dozens of people in Glasgow could be made homeless and vulnerable by Serco’s policy regarding issuing lock-change orders to tenants refused asylum in the UK.

LANDLORDS are warning of “serious dangers” to the supply of rental housing for vulnerable tenants as a result of government plans to axe Section 21.

Blog posted by: Andrew Haldenby, 12 April 2019.

Successful NHS England programme extended for three more years.

Mark Field remembers the many Kurdish people in Iraq killed during Saddam Hussein’s Anfal campaign.

Transport Minister Ken Skates recently (13 April 2019) announced up to £1 million of funding for 4 pilot projects that will test innovative forms of demand responsive bus travel across Wales.

Changes to buses in central London will make the network more efficient while continuing to support the city.

Applications are now open for the Impact and Inspire accelerated development programmes. Both programmes are open to GCS members. The closing date for applications is 8 May 2019.

Anne Longfield, has responded to the ICO’s consultation on online safety.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday commented on the recent ONS figures on workplace pensions, that show nearly 7 in 10 pension pots receive employer contributions of less than 4%.

Mark Drakeford AM, the Leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister of Wales recently (13 April 2019) announced that the Welsh Government will be banning Section 21.

Statement given recently (12 April 2019) by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council Briefings on Colombia

In the first detailed element of our AI framework blog series, Reuben Binns, our Research Fellow in AI, and Valeria Gallo, Technology Policy Adviser, explore how organisations can ensure ‘meaningful’ human involvement to make sure AI decisions are not classified as solely automated by mistake.

The Government Property Agency has appointed Steven Boyd, HMRC Estates Director, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

All women should be able to access both medical and surgical procedures to terminate their pregnancy, says NICE in draft guidance.

ESMA statements and measures on no-deal Brexit scenario preparations referring to 12 April 2019 should now be read as referring to 31 October 2019.

The UK Government must use the extension granted this week by the EU to broaden its discussions on Brexit, Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell said.

Sanctions have been imposed against Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP ("Baker Tilly") and its partners Richard King and Steven Railton, following an investigation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), in relation to the audit of the financial statements of Tanfield Group plc ("Tanfield") and two of its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2007. 

Arts Minister Michael Ellis recently announced temporary export bar so that a buyer can be found for 16th century casket worth £750,000.

An illegal immigrant found with 9.5 kilos of cocaine with a street value of nearly £1m has been jailed for 12 years following an investigation by the joint National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police Organised Crime Partnership (OCP).

The ONS will receive £9 million to develop new “super-fast” indicators for the UK economy.

Economy and North Wales Minister Ken Skates joined a start-up surgery for local entrepreneurs at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub recently (12 April 2019) to hear about their experiences and activities.

An eagle-eyed off duty officer stepped in to stop his elderly neighbour becoming the victim of a fraud after she bought hundreds of pounds worth of gift cards.

Ofsted has published detailed figures revealing the scale of the problem with suspected illegal schools in England.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is hosting a launch event for ‘Stopping it in its Tracks’ - Phase 2. This will take place in London, on the 16 May 2019.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has opened consultation on 16 standards that online services must meet to protect children’s privacy.

Age appropriate design: a code of practice for online services sets out the standards expected of those responsible for designing, developing or providing online services likely to be accessed by children and which process their data.

The Economic and Social Research Council has announced that it is extending CLOSER’s funding to March 2021 to carry out its valuable work in maximising the use, value and impact of the UK’s longitudinal studies.

The CMA has found that Rentokil Initial’s takeover of Mitie Pest Control may restrict choice and lead to higher prices for customers.

NHS Digital’s Digital Delivery Centre has been nominated for a DigiLeaders 100 award for its work on the National Record Locator and NHS 111 online.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Bounty (UK) Limited £400,000 for illegally sharing personal information belonging to more than 14 million people.

Reflections on what it took to be a young man in WW1, compared with a young man today.

Steven Boyd will join the Government Property Agency on June 10th.

NEPO has been shortlisted across two categories in the national GO Awards 2019.

As part of the River Thames Scheme work to manage environmental impact, further archaeological surveys are being carried out this year.

Blog posted by: Aidan Shilson Thomas, 11 April 2019.

As part of the River Thames Scheme work to manage environmental impact, further ecological and environmental surveys are being carried out this year.

New laws introduced in the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 have today (12 April) come into force.

Offenders face up to 2 years in jail, with most serious put on sex offenders register.

The Chancellor today (12 April) announced the reappointment of 2 members of the Bank of England Policy Committees.

A team of UK scientists are working to invent a type of portable sniffing device that can detect whether avocados are rotten without breaking the skin and damaging the fruit – ensuring customers do not buy fruit that is already past its best.

Binyamin Netanyahu has won the Israeli election, setting the scene for a right-wing administration which may well be tempted to formally annex the occupied territories and set Israel on a dangerous gambit.

During 2018, the outline design for River Thames Scheme was developed. The final outline design is now complete.

Blog posted by: Tom Lynam, part of the AgileSHIFT authoring team, 12 April 2019.

After the emergency European Council agreed on a 'flexible' Article 50 extension until 31 October, Open Europe reviews European press reactions to yet another Brexit delay.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council Open Debate on Women in Peacekeeping.

TfL will work with Catalyst to develop three car parks in the borough of Harrow to deliver around 450 homes, all of which will be affordable.

Lancashire Constabulary has successfully implemented a range of measures to strengthen its handling of child protection issues, according to a report released yesterday by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the case of Michael Devine to the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.

Blog posted by: Andy Lake, Smarter Working adviser and author of the Smart Working Handbook, 11 April 2019.

The NPCC National Cyber Crime Programme yesterday (11/4) announced that every Police Force in England and Wales now has a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit in place thanks to a multi-million-pound investment from the Government.

The Chancellor Philip Hammond will focus on sustainable growth and climate change at the annual IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings.

Steve Wood reminds public and private organisations that new data protection legislation does not stop them from disclosing personal data to assist police forces or other law enforcement authorities.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has responded to the announcement by the regulator Ofwat over its draft price and service plans for three water companies.

NEPO is proud to support Procurex National as an official event partner. 

Dame Judith Hackitt and Stephen Hughes appointed to the HS2 Ltd board as non-executive directors.

A collaboration between astrophysicists, conservationists and ecologists aims to save rare and endangered animals.

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has responded to Ofgem’s announcement of new licensing rules for firms applying to enter the energy supply market.

The Committee yesterday took the exceptional step of publishing a follow up report to the Government’s response to its report on support for childcare as a barrier to work under Universal Credit.

Written ministerial statement by Secretary of State Jeremy Wright on News UK's application to vary conditions relating to shared journalistic resources at The Times/ Sunday Times

NHS staff provided timely, high quality care to a record numbers of people in England this winter, according to official figures published yesterday.

Northumbria Police has made good progress in improving its approach to child protection issues, but still has work to do, according to a report released yesterday by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

techUK CEO Julian David yesterday commented on the decision by the European Council to extend Article 50 until 31 October.

Systems to prevent public money being lost to mistakes and fraud in Scotland's councils may be becoming strained, says Scotland’s public spending watchdog for local government.

A statement given yesterday by Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan.

Blog posted by: Allan Thomson – PPM Product Ambassador, AXELOS, 11 April 2019.

7.9m households in the North West, South West and Midlands could see their water bills fall by as much as £70 before inflation by 2025, after Ofwat published draft decisions on plans put forward by United Utilities, South West Water and Severn Trent.

New guidance sets out how councils can seek funding from housing development in their area and use it to create school places.

Results from our latest survey also show inactivity rates decreasing, but stubborn inequalities still remain.

Citizens Advice is launching a new service funded by the Home Office to help those who are applying to the government’s Windrush compensation scheme.

The EU’s budget can be a powerful force for growth and development.  EU funds have helped transform less-developed regions and reduced inequality across the European Union.

The CMA has provisionally found that Casio has broken competition law by restricting retailer freedom to discount online.

London Borough of Haringey did not deal properly with disrepair issues at the two properties where it placed a homeless family, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found.

Our investigation concerning the deaths of four men in Bradford following a West Yorkshire Police pursuit is complete.

The Business Secretary, Greg Clark, has appointed Dr Sally Howes, OBE as the new chair of the UK Space Agency Steering Board.

Latest figures released this week show UK exports continue to go from strength to strength, reaching £639 billion in the year to February 2019.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday wrote to the Prime Minister, following the extension of Article 50 until the end of October.