Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
DBT Creates Specialist Hub for Microsoft Tools
The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a Microsoft Learning Hub on its SharePoint site to promote built‑in accessibility tools in Microsoft 365. The hub aggregates resources for Windows and Mac users, highlighting features such as Sign Language Mode in Teams and contrast settings in OneNote. With 5.5 million disabled employees in the UK and a notable employment gap, the initiative aims to raise awareness and embed inclusive digital practices across the department. DBT plans to expand the hub with guides for Teams and Copilot 365.
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 26, 2026
MHCLG Publishes New Local Government Reorganisation Digital and Cyber Playbook
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released a Local Government Reorganisation Digital and Cyber Playbook to help councils navigate digital, data and cybersecurity challenges during structural changes. Developed with input from local and central government, sector...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Podcast: Be Ready, Take Stock, and Keep Talking
The UKA Live Podcast explores how councils should prepare for local government reorganisation and vesting day, emphasizing the need to map the technology estate and address day‑one requirements. Guests Kate Hurr and Dave Lee discuss the complexities of splitting counties,...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Google Cloud to Develop AI Planning Decisions Tool
The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded Google Cloud a £6.9 million contract to build an AI‑powered planning decisions tool. The system will initially focus on householder developments, which account for 69 % of applications, with a target...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 26, 2026
MHRA Says AI Innovation and Regulation Must Work Together
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging that AI innovation in healthcare be paired with robust regulation to safeguard patient safety and equity. Richard Stubbs, CEO of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, highlighted the need for...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Online Consultations Part of New GP Contract
A new NHS England GP contract, backed by £485 million, will guarantee same‑day appointments for urgent patients. It mandates that online consultation platforms remain available throughout core hours and redirects £292 million to recruit roughly 1,600 additional full‑time‑equivalent GPs. The contract expands...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Crown and Magistrate Courts Digitisation Funding Boost
The UK government will fund every Crown court in England and Wales to operate at maximum capacity in 2026/27, with an extra £287 million for digital upgrades and infrastructure. Total court and tribunal funding rises to £2.785 billion, up from £2.538 billion. No...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 25, 2026
MHCLG Adopts User-Focus to Digital Planning Case Studies
MHCLG’s Digital Planning team has overhauled its case study format to prioritize user‑focused design, guided by research on how planners consume content. The new layout features an upfront overview box, plain‑language summaries, comparative before‑and‑after metrics, and simple visual aids. A...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 24, 2026
HM Courts and Tribunals Completes Audio Transcription Modernisation
HM Courts and Tribunals Service has finished modernising its Digital Audio Recording Transcription (DARTS) system for Crown Courts. The cloud‑based platform now delivers audio recordings in minutes, with real‑time progress tracking and enhanced search tools. Migration moved roughly 600 TB of...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 24, 2026
One IPO Roadmap Unveiled
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has released a detailed roadmap for its new One IPO patents service, outlining a phased rollout of enhancements over the next twelve months. Immediate actions focus on restoring full publishing capacity, accelerating internal processing, and...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 24, 2026
Essex Authorities Invest in AI Skills
Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils are embedding AI and data literacy into their 2025‑2028 Digital Strategy by training 33 staff members. They partnered with Multiverse to deliver two courses focused on turning data into insights and using AI tools...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Defra Adopts Sustainable Tech Device Procurement
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a five‑year End User Services contract with Atos that will supply laptops, phones and tablets to its 30,000 staff, with 90 % of the 72,000 devices sourced as refurbished...
By UKAuthority (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
DWP Tech and STEM Placement Applications Close This Week
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital is accepting applications for its University Leavers Engineering Programme, a two‑year placement that blends hands‑on software and infrastructure engineering with leadership training and a master’s qualification. Launched in April 2025, the scheme operates...
By UKAuthority (UK)