Author Profile

After working on some of the first “green investment” schemes in the 1990s, Emma Howard Boyd has relished the chance to get closer to the action as chair of the Environment Agency. But, she tells Mark Smulian, she’s still keeping a keen eye on the money, as the agency strives to protect communities and businesses as well as people and plants

John Pullinger sits down with Mark Smulian to discuss sharing UK expertise globally, fake news and how data abundance changes policymaking

Each year the Civil Service Awards celebrates a team or individual who has made excellent use of evidence to support policy or decision making - but what is the government doing to improve the way government as a whole uses different forms of evidence? Mark Smulian finds out more about the newly-formed analysis function 

Resolution Foundation says much-criticised reform now faces most difficult stage and government needs to work to ensure take up

Treasury’s lack of understanding of the overall impact on public finances hinders government response, according to NAO

Mervyn King says that EU has been more united representing 27 countries than the UK government has representing only one

Move follows departments launch of a mental health support package for its civil servants

Freedom of Information reveals staff churn continues at key Brexit department

Prison chiefs currently have too little flexibility to tailor privileges to their needs

Project chief says “changes of personnel and leadership are inevitable” given project’s long timescale and global demand for talent

UK Space Agency allocated £92m in contingency cash following Brexit row with EU

Sajid Javid letter reveals way department rewarded outsourcer against backdrop of Windrush scandal

Theresa May outlines plans as part of pre-Brexit trade mission

Unchanged year-on-year proportion comes as government continues drive to increase spending with smaller suppliers

Unions say that they are confidence that the Scottish Government processes are valid and robust

Resolution Foundation claims that scrapping entrepreneurs' relief could help relieve public spending squeeze

Higher Education Policy Institute calls for government to fund free access – regardless of age – up qualification level 3, equivalent to A-Level or AS-Level

Quartet of unions calls on body’s board members to assert their independence and ignore Treasury guidance to limit pay rises to 1-1.5%.

Civil service chief executive says first 1,800 specialists will join the profession later this year

First draft recommendation on public service leadership and capability published

Civil service union Prospect says government should lead by example as Scottish counterparts have done

Natural Resources Wales has had its accounts qualified three times over “unlawful” contracts with a sawmill

Justice secretary criticised for his role in departure of Nick Hardwick following board’s decision to release convicted rapist John Warboys

Federation of Small Businesses warns against “mega contracts” as Department for Transport says it’s on track to meet procurement targets

Northern Ireland councils warn that powers they are due to take from Stormont are marooned in absence of ministers

Airline complains of long waits despite 200 extra staff Home Office says were deployed to airport

Staff survey conducted by Government Communication Service finds just 27% of women believe GCS is supportive of working parents

Department says no one will have to sign an NDA to access compensation, despite reports

Commercial Law Group expansion includes an increase to 13 in the number of senior posts

Former Cabinet Office minister claims there are ‘worrying signs’ progress has slipped

MPs demand answers after reports the department favours weaker powers than those currently exercised by the European Commission

MPs ask David Lidington to explore whether beefed-up powers and more resources are required as a matter of urgency

PACAC expresses confidence in Sir Jeremy Heywood’s commitment to effective decision-making, but says now is the time to introduce safeguards