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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th October 2010
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The Reform of Public Bodies
As part of the Government’s commitment to reform and review all public services, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, has now summarised plans to substantially reform a large number of public bodies, including Defra. 

The intention of Ministers is to simplify all of Defra’s arm’s-length bodies (ALBs), both for the department and its customers. According to the minister, this will include restructuring the provision of scientific advice and the replacing a number of existing advisory bodies.

After these reforms, the number of remaining public bodies under Defra will be reduced to 32.

Some of the changes to be made include:
  • The abolishment of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy England Implementation Group
  • The substantial reform of the Environment Agency, including  structural and cultural changes.
  • The reconstitution of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Veterinary Residues Committee and the Zoos Forum as a ‘committee of experts’.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Defra’s current delivery network contains over 90 arm’s-length bodies and there have been difficult decisions to make in order to achieve the best value for money in this challenging economic climate. The announcement today confirms that the number of Defra’s arm’s length bodies will reduce by over half.

“But the changes announced today also reflect the government’s view that it should only carry out those functions which only government can do, while harnessing the power of civil society and the private sector to help deliver Defra’s objectives.”

For more information and to see all the changes that will be made please click here.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.