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Staying Cyber Aware: The 10 steps to cyber security – how are we doing it?
The '10 steps to cyber security' was originally published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) back in 2012 and now used by a significant number of larger organisations throughout the UK. The...
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Fitting my work around my life: why flexible working works so well for...
As a lead software developer in Defra Digital I currently work as part of the water resources team, a mix of Defra and Environment Agency staff who occupy both technical and non-technical roles. All...
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Waste carriers: don’t call us, we’ll email you
We recently upgraded the “Register as a waste carrier” service so that anyone who carries waste in England can now register without setting up an account and can renew their registration via an...
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Let’s talk about……how we’re feeling
I am a content designer working in the Defra content team. It’s a very busy team which involves me working closely with colleagues from the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Animal and Plant...
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Sharing the parental burden has been such a joy
Early last year I learned that I was going to become a father for the first time. I had always assumed that I would share the role of raising my son equally with my wife. I soon discovered this made...
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Rod licences, waste exemptions and mass working from home – a year like no other
In a year like no other, the list of achievements from our teams is really worth celebrating and makes us very proud. It also makes writing this blog difficult because we can’t possibly highlight...
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From crunching numbers to making a real difference to people’s lives
I’ve worked in Defra for four years. During that time, I’ve worked across multiple programmes and I’ve had some great challenges. I’ve also never been bored! Having stepped up to become a business...
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A little kindness goes a long way
In my view, kindness has never been more needed than it is now. We’re all experiencing challenges that we’ve probably never faced before, and we need to look after each other and ourselves. It doesn’t...
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From a career in TV to life in the fast (stream) lane!
I’m a third year Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) Fast Streamer working in Defra’s Digital Automation Robotics Centre of Excellence, or the catchily titled “DRACoE” for short. I know it sounds like...
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All I need is the air that I breathe
The team I work with has been involved from the very early stages of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) project, working with a Delivery Partner Informed Solutions on a number of the products required to...
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IT service design for Defra analysts
Ten years ago, a community of analysts at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) started developing an IT system called the Scientific Computing Environment (SCE). Initially a ‘grey IT’ solution,...
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Mapping valuable lessons for the future
The work on the Genesis system, which completed earlier this year, was part of a wider application improvement programme led by a team in Defra’s Digital Data and Technology Services (DDTS) function,...
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Designing a more accessible flood map
I’m an interaction designer working on the check for flooding service (currently in Beta). The service makes extensive use of geographic information and this blog covers some of the work we have been...
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Celebrating World Blood Donor Day with my 100th blood donation
I started giving blood when I was 18, having seen my mother donate for as long as I can remember. For me, the motto of “If you can, you should” is very important and I derive a deep sense of...
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Giving nature a digital hand
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development which aims to leave biodiversity, as measured by the Biodiversity Metric, in a better state than beforehand. When designed and delivered well,...
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Applying for content design roles at Defra
I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned about applying for content design roles over the years. I’ve been lucky that I’ve worked with people who have shared these hints and tips with me along the...
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A decade of progress for the Government Sustainable ICT Project
In April each year Defra’s Digital Data and Technology Services (DDTS) function, through our cross-government forum, the STAR (Sustainable Technology Advice and Reporting), commission sustainable ICT...
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Automating for the people
Last year we established a brand-new Digital Robotics Automation Centre of Excellence (DRACoE) for Defra. Our aim was to partner with teams and organisations across Defra to build cost effective robot...
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Building a new, modern and user focused digital service for plant exports
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Defra are introducing a new and improved IT system for the export of plants and plant products. The new Plant Health Export Service (PHES) will replace...
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Passing the ‘GDS test’ feels like such an achievement
Clare Quigley, ‘Get a Fishing Licence’ Service Owner (Environment Agency) Achieving Government Digital Service (GDS) ‘LIVE’ accreditation for our Get a Fishing Licence Service (GAFL) service feels...
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