theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
USP Steels Limited
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We USP Steels Limited will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 USP Steels Limited recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Discounts
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
West Lakes Academy (Cumberland): warning notice
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-03)

Warning notice to the Changing Lives Learning Trust in relation to West Lakes Academy.

Notice relating to: West Lakes Academy (https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/135632)

URN: 135632

Notice issued to: Changing Lives Learning Trust

Reason for issue: ‘Special Measures’ Ofsted inspection (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50282020)

DfE regional director: Vicky Beer

DfE regional director office: North West

Local authority: Cumberland
CIRD69025 - Land Remediation Relief: Definitions: Person with a relevant connection to a company
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-02)


CTA09/S1178

FA01/SCH22/PARA31 (4)

The question of whether a person is connected to a company is determined in accordance with the broad definition in CTA10/S1122.

A person has a relevant connection to a company, where the company's land is in a contaminated state wholly or partly as a result of anything done, or not done, at any time by that person, if:
- the person was connected to the company at that time; or
- the person was connected to the company at the time when the major interest in the (for expenditure incurred on or before 31 March 2009 simply the interest in the) land was acquired, or
- the person was connected to the company at any time when the land remediation is, or was, undertaken by the company.
Today, the UK announced a further $36 million of funding to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: UK statement at the UN General Assembly
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-30)

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar.

The United Kingdom commends Bangladesh for its generous hospitality in hosting Rohingya refugees since 2017. Eight years on, the conflict in Myanmar continues.

Systematic blockages of aid and trade exacerbate needs, with malnutrition and food insecurity reaching emergency levels.

In Rakhine, 1.5 million people are resorting to extreme coping measures.

Without intervention, there is a real risk of famine.

Sustained support for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh is urgently needed.

Today, the UK announced a further $36 million to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

This will focus on meeting the basic, urgent needs of refugees, including food, clean water, healthcare and protection services.

The UK has provided a total of $596 million since 2017. We have also provided over $154 million to support communities in Rakhine State.

As well as funding the crisis response, the international community needs to do more to ensure stability in Rakhine.

We need to create safe conditions for the Rohingya to be able to return.

We call on all actors to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

And all actors must cease violence against civilians, including airstrikes.

The UK will continue working with Bangladesh and other partners to support refugees.

Our new funding includes support to give the Rohingya skills and tools they can use when they return and to reduce their reliance on aid.

Today’s conference is an opportunity to maintain focus on the crisis in Rakhine and on dire funding needs in the refugee camps.

In a world with so many humanitarian crises, we must not allow the Rohingya crisis to be forgotten.

As penholder in the Security Council, we will keep Myanmar on the international agenda.

With the unprecedented scale of displacement into Bangladesh, we urge others to join us in increasing financial support and pushing for vital humanitarian access.
Powertherm Contract Services Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Powertherm Contract Services Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Powertherm Contract Services Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
CTM41270 - Particular bodies: Trade unions and eligible employers’ associations: Provident benefits - new claims
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-03)


New claims for provident benefits relief should be sent to HMRC Charities who will make a decision about the trade union's or association’s title to relief, after which the operational office is responsible for determining the actual amount of relief due. Send all the evidence that supports the claim including copies of the rules and accounts and reports for the years covered by the claim.

Keep a record of the authorisation of the claim.
AAIB investigation to ATR 42-500, G-LMSA
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-19)

Engine failure during cruise, north-east of Aberdeen International Airport, 23 July 2024

Whilst in the cruise, the aircraft suffered a contained failure of the No 1 engine and a subsequent fire inside its cowlings due to a leak from the fuel return line which had become sufficiently loose following the engine failure to result in fuel leakage. The flight crew correctly followed the checklist procedures to shut down the engine, and the fire was extinguished. The aircraft landed without further incident.

Although this is the only known instance of this fuel line becoming loose, the aircraft manufacturer has commenced a safety review to identify any possible safety actions which would further reduce the likelihood of leakage from the fuel return line.

Download the report:

ATR 42-500, G-LMSA 07-25 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6848390196e63bce58e4e6cd/ATR_42-500_G-LMSA_07-25.pdf)

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6848391f89d002b886e787ef/Abbreviations.pdf)
HMRC: senior officials’ business expenses, hospitality, and meetings
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-25)

All data on senior officials’ (SCS2+) business expenses, hospitality, and meetings with external individuals and organisations.

HMRC publishes details of the Permanent Secretaries, Directors General, Finance Directors, Commercial Directors and Directors who are senior responsible owners in the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio meetings with external individuals and organisations, and senior officials’ business expenses and hospitality every quarter.

Expenses data has been redacted where it is deemed that publishing it could impact on national or personal security, or jeopardise investigations.

This data is also available on data.gov.uk:
- HMRC Senior Officials’ Expenses Data (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/5e3b0a1a-bfb6-4d43-9289-758b70c23a25/hmrc-senior-officials-expenses-data)
- HMRC’s Hospitality register (https://data.gov.uk/dataset/hm-revenue-and-customs-board-members-hospitality)
- HMRC Senior Officials’ Meetings Data (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/853db0b2-4767-486b-86a1-a872034fcefe/hmrc-senior-officials-meetings-data)
Data prior to January 2024 is at HMRC: senior officials’ travel, hospitality and meetings (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-senior-officials-hospitality-and-meetings)
S & D Childcare Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We S & D Childcare Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 S & D Childcare Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Discounts
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Ms Y Stubbs v The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police: 2601571/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-07)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Ms Y Stubbs v The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police: 2601571/2024 - Dismissal (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/690a0192c22e4ed8b0518454/Ms_Y_Stubbs_v_The_Chief_Constable_of_Lincolnshire_Police_2601571.2024_Judgment.pdf).
IEIM8000515 - The types of information to be reported to HMRC
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-04)


A UK RCASP must report two types of relevant information to HMRC on reportable persons.
- Identification information to identify the reportable persons; and
- Transaction information on cryptoasset activities relating to the reportable persons.
Identification Information

The rules set out the identification information to be reported for each calendar year in Section II(A)(1). Information is reportable on individual and and entity cryptoasset users that are reportable users and controlling persons that are reportable persons.

For individual cryptoasset users that are reportable users, the RCASP must report:
- Name
- Address
- Jurisdiction(s) of tax residence,
- TIN(s) and
- Date of birth
In addition to the information required for reportable users, for individuals that are controlling persons of entity cryptoasset users and are reportable persons the RCASP must also report the role(s) by which the individual is a controlling person (e.g. owner, trustee, senior official).

For entity cryptoasset users that are reportable users, the RCASP must report:
- Name
- Address
- Jurisdiction(s) of tax residence,
- TIN(s)
The RCASP must also report its own name, address and identifying number where one exists (a TIN, business/company registration code/number, or a Global Legal Entity Identifier).

Further information on the process can be found within Due Diligence guidance (https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/international-exchange-of-information/ieim8000400)

Transaction Information

The RCASP must report information for each calendar year. For each relevant cryptoasset the RCASP must report the full name of the relevant cryptoasset and details of the relevant transactions effectuated.

The full name of the type of relevant cryptoasset is required to be reported and should be reported in line with the digital token identifier, where available.

If units of a relevant cryptoasset are fungible (i.e. mutually substitutable), they are treated as the same type for aggregation. If the asset is non-fungible (e.g. NFTs with differing values), each unit is treated as a separate type of relevant cryptoasset.
Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (WATOK): licence application
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-07)

Form to apply for a licence or certificate of competence to slaughter or kill animals.

Please refer to the guidance notes on completing the application form which are included in the document.

Read the guidance on getting a certificate of competence or licence to slaughter or kill animals (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-certificate-of-competence-or-licence-to-slaughter-or-kill-animals).
Breach of union rules decision: Cassidy v Unite the Union
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-22)

This document contains the decision made by the Certification Officer in this case.

Mr Cassidy made a complaint under section 108A(2)(a) about breaches of union rules in relation to the appointment or election of a person to any office.

Following a hearing held by Video Conference on 16 December 2024, the Certification Officer did not uphold the complaint.
Mrs E Martin v Glasgow City Council: 121207/2008
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-14)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mrs E Martin v Glasgow City Council: xx-xxxx-xxxx - Strike Out (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d2ca5d886e7770c211e076/Mrs_E_Martin_v_Glasgow_City_Council_-_xx-xxxx-xxxx_-_Judgment.pdf).
Clostridioides difficile ribotyping network (CDRN) service
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-25)

The CDRN laboratory provides access to Clostridioides difficile culture, ribotyping and enhanced fingerprinting services, according to standardised submission criteria.

National Clostridium difficile ribotyping network (CDRN) services are centralised at UKHSA laboratory Leeds (Reference Laboratory, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust).

The laboratory carries full UKAS accreditation (ISO 15189:2012) customer number 10883 (https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/?q=10883&lab=).

PCR-ribotyping

There are standardised criteria for submission of faecal samples for ribotyping.

There is a prescribed 14-day turnaround time for this test.

C. difficile toxin-positive faecal samples or C. difficile isolates can be submitted for this test.

Enhanced fingerprinting

Enhanced fingerprinting using multilocus variable tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) is also available on request.

There are criteria for submission of enhanced fingerprinting requests.

There is a prescribed 14-day turnaround time for this test.

No further material needs to be submitted for this test.
Bird flu: near Honington, West Suffolk, Suffolk (AIV 2025/79)
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-05)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Honington, West Suffolk, Suffolk on 1 November 2025.

Case information

5 December 2025

Following successful completion of disease control activities in the zone near Honington, West Suffolk, Suffolk (AIV 2025/79), the protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes part of the surveillance zone.

1 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Honington, West Suffolk, Suffolk (AIV 2025/79) on 1 November 2025.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises have been humanely culled.

Declaration

Download the ending of a protection zone (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69333550502f392086ee8ce7/Merge_PZ_with_SZ_declaration_AIV_2025_79.pdf)

This revokes and replaces the declaration of an avian influenza protection zone and surveillance zone (PDF) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69063f32ef26c341988b2543/Declaration_of_a_Protection_and_Surveillance_Zone_AIV_2025_79.pdf).

Further information

Check:
- the updated bird flu disease control zone map (https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d)
- if you need a licence to move poultry, poultry by-products, eggs, material or mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bird-flu-avian-influenza-movement-licences)
Case number: AIV 2025/79
Nash Point Lighthouse overhead line, S37 Consent, Electricity Act 1989
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-10)

Screening decision to replace a single 10 metre pole with an 11-metre pole in an existing 11kV overhead line and upgrade existing 16kVA transformer to 50kVA.

Secretary of State’s screening decisions in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017.

Date of decision

10 January 2025

Location

MarcrossLlantwit MajorWales

Type of project / consent requested

Section 37 consent to install or keep installed an electric line.
Migration Advisory Committee meeting minutes 2025
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-14)

Minutes of meetings held by the Migration Advisory Committee in 2025.

These are the meeting minutes for the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). More information about the committee can be found on the MAC page (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/migration-advisory-committee).
UK to extend electronic travel to European visitors
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-05)

Europeans can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK and will need one from 2 April 2025.

The UK government is taking the last major step in the rollout of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the millions of visitors who pass through the UK border every year. From today, eligible Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from Wednesday 2 April 2025.

This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to all eligible non-European nationals last year, which includes visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia who now need an ETA to travel. Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued with ETAs and will benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips in the future.

ETAs will strengthen the immigration system’s security and keep our country safe by screening people before they set foot in the UK.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:

Securing our borders is a foundation of the UK government’s Plan for Change and by digitising the immigration system we are paving the way for a contactless UK border, ensuring visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience in the future.

Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the UK ETA app and, with the vast majority of applicants currently receiving a decision automatically in minutes, spontaneous trips to the UK should still be possible. Prospective visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.

Applicants provide their biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once an applicant has successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.

While most applications are approved quickly, it is still recommended to allow up to 3 working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.

An ETA currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the UK of up to 6 months over a 2-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires - whichever is sooner. An ETA is not a visa, it is a digital permission to travel.

The UK government continues to work closely with the travel industry, including major airline, maritime and rail carriers, to ensure the smooth implementation of our new digital requirements.
Quarterly qualifying defence contract statistics: Q3 2024/25
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-27)

The SSRO has released its latest quarterly publication on key statistics relating to qualifying defence contracts (QDCs) and qualifying sub-contracts (QSCs).

This bulletin is part of a regular published series of statistical reports, containing analysis of key QDC/QSC information, covering all contracts that became a QDC/QSC between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2024.

The SSRO was notified of 736 contracts that became QDCs/QSCs between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2024. Contractors have one month after the date the contract becomes a QDC/QSC to submit reports, and as of 31 January 2025 the SSRO had received contract reports for 688 contracts. This analysis is based on these 688 contracts, which comprised 576 QDCs and 112 QSCs.

The estimated total contract price was £118.5 billion for contracts that became QDCs/QSCs between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2024 The average reported estimated contract profit rate across all QDCs/QSCs was 9.49 per cent. Nine QDCs/QSCs have been excluded from the profit rate statistics. In the first nine months of 2024/25, the SSRO has received contract reports for 60 new QDCs/QSCs, and an estimated total contract price of £9.2 billion was reported.

The analysis reflects the most recently reported contract data. All data is taken from reports submitted by the contractor for each QDC/QSC as indicated in the bulletin. The data may not reflect values at contract completion.

The bulletin also contains information on changes to the upcoming Annual Qualifying Defence Contract Statistics: 2024/25 bulletin, to accommodate adjustments associated with updates to the data collected under the Single Source Contract Regulations which were amended in April 2024. Please see the methodology section for details on these changes.

The publication schedule for the next four quarterly bulletins is as follows:
Retirement Collective Defined Contribution pension schemes
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-23)

Public consultation on a policy framework for a new type of Collective Defined Contribution scheme to be used in retirement.

This consultation seeks views on policy proposals for the creation of a new type of Collective Money Purchase Scheme (commonly referred to as a Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) scheme), which is to be used only by pensioner members – a “Retirement CDC scheme”. These schemes would allow individuals who have saved into Defined Contribution (DC) pensions to transfer their pot at retirement into a collective fund that provides a trustee managed income for life, adjusted annually based on investment performance and scheme sustainability.

We have also recently published the government response to our public consultation on draft legislation to extend Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) provision to whole-life unconnected multiple employer schemes and other related provisions (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-occupational-pension-schemes-collective-money-purchase-schemes-extension-to-unconnected-multiple-employer-schemes-and-miscellaneous-provisions)
Mega Electrical NW Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Mega Electrical NW Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Mega Electrical NW Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Bailey Partnership (Group) Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Bailey Partnership (Group) Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Bailey Partnership (Group) Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- UK Reservists
We also pledge the following:

We will support the education of children and spouses of Armed Forces personnel, including providing flexibility for school transitions and supporting access to educational resources.

2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Matthew Vickerstaff
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-31)

Matthew Vickerstaff is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and Head of Government’s Project Finance Profession. He is responsible for the UK Guarantee Scheme and the Private Finance Initiative contract management programme, as well as for establishing a number of infrastructure funds alongside private investors in ultra fast broadband and electric vehicle charging infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining the IPA Matthew spent over 20 years at Société Générale where he was responsible for managing the global structured finance teams including infrastructure, real estate, aircraft, shipping sectors, and export finance; and where he spent time working in Toronto, New York, Paris and London. He has been a director of a number of infrastructure investment companies and has 25 years experience in the design, build, finance and operation of infrastructure projects all over the world. Before SocGen, Matthew began his career at Hambros PLC working in corporate risk analysis, asset finance and leasing, real estate and infrastructure both in London and Toronto. Matthew has an M.A from Cambridge University.

Matthew Vickerstaff is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and Head of Government’s Project Finance Profession. He is responsible for the UK Guarantee Scheme and the Private Finance Initiative contract management programme, as well as for establishing a number of infrastructure funds alongside private investors in ultra fast broadband and electric vehicle charging infrastructure sectors.

Prior to joining the IPA Matthew spent over 20 years at Société Générale where he was responsible for managing the global structured finance teams including infrastructure, real estate, aircraft, shipping sectors, and export finance; and where he spent time working in Toronto, New York, Paris and London. He has been a director of a number of infrastructure investment companies and has 25 years experience in the design, build, finance and operation of infrastructure projects all over the world.

Before SocGen, Matthew began his career at Hambros PLC working in corporate risk analysis, asset finance and leasing, real estate and infrastructure both in London and Toronto. Matthew has an M.A from Cambridge University.
Employee earnings in NI: 2025
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-23)

The distribution and make-up of earnings and hours worked, by sex and full-time and part-time status, for employees in all industries and occupations.

The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is a UK wide survey that provides a wide range of information on earnings and hours worked. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out ASHE in Great Britain and it is carried out by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) in Northern Ireland. The sample used comprises approximately 1% of all employees in Northern Ireland who were covered by Pay As You Earn (PAYE) schemes.
Bovine TB: controlling the risk from badgers
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-11)

Information on what the government is doing to control the risk of bovine tuberculosis (TB) from badgers.

This collection brings together the latest information on what Defra is doing to control the risk of bovine TB from badgers, as part of our wider measures to control bovine TB (https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/bovine-tuberculosis-bovine-tb).

Visit the UK Government Web Archive (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20240206071420/https:/www.gov.uk/government/collections/bovine-tb-controlling-the-risk-of-bovine-tb-from-badgers) for previous versions of this collection, which include older bovine TB content on GOV.UK.
Flat 2, Gowland Court, 137-139 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3PG: HAV/21UC/MNR/2024/0503
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-28)

Southern Region, Mr D Jagger MRICS (Chairman) and Mr C Davies FRICS on 17 October 2024

Read the full decision in BN21 3PG_HAV/21UC/MNR/2024/0503_decision (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675088e3d12a2dad3bc97af7/Flat_2__Gowland_Court__Decision.pdf) Read the full reasons in BN21 3PG_HAV/21UC/MNR/2024/0503_reasons (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6750891cb9847955e1632ae2/Flat_2__Gowland_Court__Full_Reasons.pdf)
Mr B Ekofo v MCC Direct Ltd (In Creditors Voluntary Liquidation): 6006514/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-11)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mr B Ekofo v MCC Direct Ltd (In Creditors Voluntary Liquidation): 6006514/2024 - Judgment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68484f69d0ca5d7801e4e6ed/Benjamin_Ekofo_v_MCC_DIRECT_LTD_6006514_2024_DJ.pdf).
Mrs S Burton v Blue Inc and Definition Retail Ltd (in liquidation): 2405643/2023
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-03)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mrs S Burton v Blue Inc and Definition Retail Ltd (in liquidation): 2405643/2023 - Judgment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6904b0d419a898f0b18980b0/Mrs_Sarah_Burton_v_Blue_Inc___Definition_Retail_Limited__in_liquidation__2405643_2023.pdf).
Mr J Szczepanski v SLM Rescue Services Ltd: 3300470/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-04-04)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mr J Szczepanski v SLM Rescue Services Ltd: 3300470/2024 - Judgment with Reasons (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c87bb86553ea61ea4f437b/Mr_Jedrzei_Szczepanski_-_v_-_SLM_Rescue_Services_Ltd_-_3300470-2024_-_Judgment.pdf).

Read the full decision in Mr J Szczepanski v SLM Rescue Services Ltd: 3300470/2024 - Certificate of correction (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67ed1e3e98b3bac1ec299b82/Mr_J_Szczepanski_v_SLM_Rescue_Services_3300470_2024_Certificate_of_Correction.pdf).

Read the full decision in Mr J Szczepanski v SLM Rescue Services Ltd: 3300470/2024 - Corrected Judgment with Reasons (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67ed1e599eae202448299b9f/Mr_Jedrzej_Szczepanski_v_SLM_Rescue_Services_3300470_2024_Amended_Judgment.pdf).
Two non-executive members appointed to the Independent Monitoring Authority
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-25)

The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority.

The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) for 3 years from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

Dr Maike Bohn

Dr Maike Bohn brings significant experience in strategic leadership, international engagement and public policy. As Managing Director of Oxford in Berlin, she led the University of Oxford’s work in Germany and built wide-ranging partnerships across sectors. She is a co-founder of the3million and has held senior roles in executive education, public affairs and marketing at Cardiff University, Jisc and Saïd Business School.

Lynne Charles

Lynne Charles is a former civil servant, with over 20 years’ experience across a number of government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, with a particular focus on EU and international affairs. Most recently, she served as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Bulgaria. Prior to working for the British government, Lynne worked as an official of the European Parliament, with roles in Brussels and London.

The IMA was established under the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. Its purposes are to monitor how public bodies implement and apply the citizens’ rights parts of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, and Separation Agreement with the EEA EFTA states, and to promote the adequate and effective implementation and application of those rights.

The IMA has the power to receive complaints, launch inquiries and initiate or intervene in legal proceedings. The IMA also has a duty to review the effectiveness of the legislative framework relating to citizens’ rights. In exercising its functions, the IMA must have regard to the importance of dealing with general or systemic issues in the implementation and application of citizen’ rights.

Appointments to the IMA are made by the Secretary of State and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These appointments have been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Children’s social care: virtual school head role extension
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-02)

How local authorities should extend the virtual school head role to promote the education of children with a social worker and children in kinship care.

Virtual school heads are strategic leaders who promote the educational outcomes of children with a social worker. From September 2024, the duties under this non-statutory function will also include children in kinship care.

The guidance on promoting the education of children with a social worker and children in kinship care arrangements:
- defines the cohort of children in scope
- explains what the extended role involves
- provides direction on how to partner with education settings to improve children’s outcomes
The grant determination letter sets out the terms of the section 31 grant that local authorities will receive to support the virtual school head role in promoting the educational outcomes of children with a social worker.

To support the extension of the virtual school head (VSH) role to include children with a social worker and children in kinship care, we have added:
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which sets out DfE expectations for how local authorities should use the funding to deliver the extended VSH role
- MoU authorisation form, which confirms receipt of the MoU and agreement to its terms, local authorities should complete and return this form by 26 September 2025
- financial progress report, which local authorities should use to show how the funding has been used to support the extended VSH role, we will provide details of how to complete this in November 2025
These documents provide clarity for local authorities on responsibilities, funding use, and reporting requirements.

Local authorities should review and complete the required forms within the specified timeframes.

Previous grant determination letters and memorandums of understanding are available in the National Archives:
- financial year 2024 to 2025 (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250603110809/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virtual-school-head-role-extension-to-children-with-a-social-worker)
- financial year 2023 to 2024 (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20230620161429/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virtual-school-head-role-extension-to-children-with-a-social-worker)
- financial year 2022 to 2023 (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20220701224634/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virtual-school-head-role-extension-to-children-with-a-social-worker)
- financial year 2021 to 2022 (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210804173756/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virtual-school-head-role-extension-to-children-with-a-social-worker)
Statutory guidance on promoting the education of looked-after and previously looked-after children (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/promoting-the-education-of-looked-after-children) is also available.
Mr N Benatar v Saram Hotels Ludlow Ltd and Others: 6021853/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-13)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mr N Benatar v Saram Hotels Ludlow Ltd and Others: 6021853/2024 - Partial Withdrawal (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69147684493305b49ce6e689/Mr_N_Benatar_v_Saram_Hotels_Ludlow_Ltd__1____Others_-_Withdrawal_Judgment_-_6021853.2024.pdf).