Office of the Public Guardian appoints non-executive Board Chair
Alison Sansome has been appointed as the new non-executive Board Chair for the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). In her role, Alison will lead the Board, facilitating Board meetings and helping to inform decision making, using her knowledge and expertise to provide independent scrutiny and constructive advice. Non-executives are senior external figures who provide […]
How we protected the UK and space in February 2025
February was a highly active month which saw uncontrolled re-entry alerts at their highest level since our records began. All NSpOC warning and protection services functioned as expected throughout the period. Re-entry Analysis February has seen an increase in the number of objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere when compared to the previous month. Of the 129 […]
Applications now open for OIT’s 2025 Policy Fellowship
Deadline now extended until 10 March 2025 The OIT is a cross-government unit that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy, helping colleagues review evidence, engage experts, develop policy and evaluate impact. Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that supports officials by providing help and expert insight to […]
Pioneer report and safety flyer published
Today we have published our accident investigation report into the man overboard from the fishing vessel Pioneer (NN200) while returning from fishing grounds south of Hastings on 29 July 2021. The skipper accidentally entered the water and was later recovered, but could not be revived. The report, available via this link, contains details of what […]
Roundtable to help turbo-charge Scotland’s agriculture industry
Leading members of Scotland’s agriculture sector will join the UK and Scottish Governments in Edinburgh today (April 30) to investigate key issues facing the agri-food supply chain – and help identify potential solutions. Minister McNeill pledged to host a food and farming roundtable with industry when she attended the NFU Scotland (NFUS) conference earlier this […]
New webinar series explores unlocking value from coal mining data
Our webinar series will educate the public, industry professionals and local authorities on how coal mining data can be leveraged for sustainable development and informed decision-making. The online sessions, which take place in April 2025, will provide the opportunity to learn more about our data and engage in interactive question and answer sessions. You can […]
New independent monitor for the Disclosure and Barring regime
The Home Office has announced today, 20 January 2025, that Mick Creedon will take over as the independent monitor. He replaces Julia Wortley, whose successful tenure in the role ended on 20 December. Mick said: I am delighted to be appointed as the new independent monitor and look forward to fulfilling this important role. The […]
Revised guidance when applying for prior authority
The update includes: Clarification around the exceptional circumstances test and how the LAA determines whether this test is met. Makes clear that it is not the intention of the LAA that Local Authorities, other than in unusual circumstances, should make up a shortfall in expert fees. Why is it happening now? The LAA has been […]
Stena Europe report published
Today, we have published our accident investigation report into an engine room fire on board the ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe during a crossing from Rosslare, Ireland, to Fishguard, Wales on 11 February 2023. The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations. Media enquiries (telephone only) Media […]
Red Sea dive boat accidents
The MAIB has been notified of three accidents within the last 20 months affecting UK citizens on Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. These include: the capsize of Carlton Queen on 24 April 2023 resulting in abandonment of the vessel with all passengers and crew rescued; a fire on Hurricane on 11 June […]