Cabinet Office

Congratulations to Professor Michele Dougherty who has been appointed as the new Astronomer Royal, a title awarded to an eminent expert in the field who advises the monarch on issues of astronomy.

ANNOUNCING The next Astronomer Royal ⭐⭐⭐ Find out more about the first woman to ever hold this honorary position: https://lnkd.in/eqrpe8PF Royal Museums Greenwich | Government Office for Science | Department for Science, Innovation and Technology | Imperial College London | UK Space Agency

WE’RE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE… that Professor Michele Dougherty has been approved by His Majesty The King to be the new Astronomer Royal, and will be the first woman to hold this position since the role was created in 1675. The role of Astronomer Royal was first created with the goal of discovering how to determine longitude at sea when out of sight of land, and the holder of this position was based at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.   Today, the role is an honorary one, awarded to a prominent astronomer who is expected to advise the Monarch on astronomical matters. Congratulations Professor Dougherty! ⭐⭐⭐ Royal Museums Greenwich | Government Office for Science | Department for Science, Innovation and Technology | Imperial College London | UK Space Agency

Congratulations to Moni Mannings OBE who has been appointed as the new Independent Diversity and Outreach Committee Chair for the Honours System. She will assist the committee process in delivering an honours system which is representative of the United Kingdom 🏅 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ejFsCe5S

Honouring the brave who gave everything for their communities. These are just some of the individuals who tragically lost their lives while working in the public service. Each has been awarded an Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of their courage and dedication to serving others. 🕊️

SAVE THE DATE ⏰ We're testing the Emergency Alerts system on mobile phones across the UK at 3PM on 7th September 2025. We want everyone to know. If you or anyone you know uses BSL, please watch and share. Welsh version ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eakpZ5GS

Emergency Alerts Test: Sounding the Alarm The second-ever national test of the Emergency Alert system will take place on Sunday 7 September at around 3pm. This important system ensures we can communicate critical safety information during emergencies. 📣 A loud siren will sound from millions of mobile phones across the UK at 3pm on Sunday 7 September as the government conducts its second nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System – a vital tool that has already proven its worth in real-life emergencies. Since the first national test of the system in April 2023, Emergency Alerts have helped protect communities during five genuine crises, including warning residents about an unexploded World War II bomb in Plymouth and providing critical safety information during localised flash flooding in Cumbria. During the test on 7 September, your mobile phone will: Make a loud siren sound for about 10 seconds (even if on silent) Vibrate Display a clear message stating this is only a test 📱 This test alert is expected to reach approximately 87m compatible mobile phones and tablets across the UK. The date of the national test was announced alongside the government's comprehensive new Resilience Action Plan, designed to strengthen the UK's emergency preparedness and response capabilities. A public information campaign will run nationwide ahead of the test, with specific communications for vulnerable groups including domestic abuse victims and materials in British Sign Language. For more information, visit gov.uk/alerts.

A UK/EU SPS deal will make trade easier, smarter and cheaper for 🇬🇧 growers and traders. Today Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds visited New Covent Garden Market to talk about fixing the issues they face getting produce in and out of the UK.

On 16th January 1981, Ivan Toombs lost his life when he was shot by IRA terrorists at his place of work. Paul Toombs, son of Elizabeth Emblem recipient Ivan Toombs, shares remembrances of his Dad and why receiving the Emblem matters ⬇️ The Elizabeth Emblem recognises the service, bravery and sacrifice of civilians who lost their lives while serving their communities. Read our guidance on how you can nominate a loved one: https://lnkd.in/eJ-tmtqg Northern Ireland Office

"What I've found in the 12 months I've been a minister is that there is a Civil Service very ready to deal with and deliver change. It really is a privilege for me to be here amongst people who I know are motivated by public service.” Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds praised the “dedicated workforce right at the heart of our public sector” in his opening address to Civil Service Live in London yesterday. The learning roadshow continued today, offering workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities to equip civil servants with the essential skills needed to deliver better services for the public 📚