Welcome to WiredGov Plus

WiredGov Plus provides a weekly roundup of news from the UK Government and Public Sector. To save your time, we research & validate the links to websites / documents and selectively add additional background links as appropriate.

Editor’s choice of ICT items of note:

Government publishes annual Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2026

Fine of nearly £1m issued against South Staffordshire Plc and South Staffordshire Water Plc following major cyber attack and data breach

Five steps to protect your organisation from AI-powered cyber threats

End Digital Poverty Gala Reception to headline expanded week of activity

Digital future of Essex supercharged with 9,500 more homes and businesses getting upgraded broadband

UK Government includes Digital ID in Kings Speech- Digital Access to Services Bill

Data standards: you can’t manage what you can’t describe

£3m to help communities shape the future of AI and confront the 'wisdom gap'
 
GeoPlace conference 2026: Connecting People and Places - Thursday 21st May 2026

GeoPlace conference 2026: Connecting People and Places - Thursday 21st May 2026.

This year the GeoPlace conference will take place at the home of the Leicester Tigers. It’s a free, high value opportunity see how geographic data can drive better services, improve efficiency, and support cross service integration.

Find out more information via the link below, including venue, pre-conference get together, and the suppliers that make this event possible.

Royal Geographic Society and AGI have each accredited the conference with 5 CPD points. Register here
 
Editor’s choice of Health, Social Care & Homelessness related items of note:

“Huge moment” as the health service hits 18-week target amid half-a-million waiting list drop

Government to transform Mental Health care with new strategy

Over 1,500 people set to benefit from first immunotherapy for aggressive stomach cancer

Routine NHS access to spinal muscular atrophy treatments offers new hope for patients and families

Why the National Homelessness Skills Framework matters – and how you can help shape what’s next

NHS and Morrisons put cancer warning signs in the shower

Thousands of ME/CFS patients to benefit from first genomics study
 
Editor’s choice of Business / Commercial items of note:

Former imam jailed for sexually abusing seven women and girls

CMA launches strategic market status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem

Regulatory Innovation Office Opens Call for Business Insights on Regulatory Barriers

SRA seeks feedback on reforms as Business Plan published

Great Britain gains edge in race to secure sought-after components as Ofgem greenlight early construction funding for key energy projects Publication type:

Work Foundation - New legislation must support sustained economic growth as living costs rise
 
Editor’s choice of Policy & General items of note:

CBI responds to latest GDP figures (three months to March 2026)

Defence Minister calls on London and the East of England to join new £50m nationwide veteran support network

IOPC responds to Ofcom's ruling on complaints about Panorama documentary 'The Chris Kaba shooting'

Safety-critical temporary weight restriction on Vauxhall Bridge to be introduced from July

Launch of Cafcass Cymru Strategic Plan 2026 to 2031

NCA secures thousands of pounds from notorious American gangster once on the FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted’ list

UK-EU reset: Keir Starmer Speech following local elections

Companies House is reviewing the retention period for dissolved company records
 
SME Supplier Locator update...

With the officially stated target and ongoing drive for SME’s to receive £1 of every £3 spent on government contracts, UK public sector spend with SME’s is continually on the increase.

Against this ambitious backdrop, the WiredGov Supplier Locator service has been developed specifically to embrace the SME Agenda and provide the ideal platform for SME’s to promote their services, solutions, accreditation and success stories directly to our ever increasing audience across all government and public sector verticals and Tier 1 suppliers.

Recent arrivals to the SME Supplier Locator service include:

Click here to find out more.

The Branded Company
 
Please choose from the links below to view individual sections of interest:
ESPO

ESPO is a customer-focused, public sector owned professional buying organisation. We’re committed to getting the most for our customers by pursuing best practice in procurement, sourcing, supply chain partner support and management, contract management and EU compliance.
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Reference Guide: explore all our framework solutions
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Driving efficiency and impact: how master vendor MSPs deliver skills and social value
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Expert Sessions from ESPO – Access free webinars for MAT Leaders
As part of our added value offering, we’re pleased to share our Expert Sessions from ESPO, which is a series of six free webinars covering important topics that can help support your School or Trust. Featuring guest speakers such as Matt Bromley, Rachel Macfarlane, Rose Luckin and other ...

What is a Bubble Handwriting Scaffold and Why Does it Matter?
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ESPO Early Years is here!
Have you heard the great news? ESPO Early Years has officially landed and we're so excited to tell you all about it! With the recent merger of our sister company, Eduzone, our ESPO Early Years team is now even bigger and better! This exciting change means more expertise, more support and even more benefits for you and your setting. ...