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Phone :
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Email :
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Link to Oxford Dictionary of National Biography website

Oxford English Dictionary

Link to the Grove Dictionary of Art

Link to the Grove Dictionary of Music

Link to Oxford Reference

Link to more online services

Government departments

Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office is responsible for the operation of secretariats, the coordination of public service delivery, Civil Service management and reform, and communication and corporate issues. This site links to non-departmental Public Bodies (formerly QUANGOs) and their members. The Minister for the Cabinet Office is also the Minister for Social Exclusion.

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

The DBERR (replacing the Department of Trade and Industry) is responsible for creating the conditions for business success through competitive and flexible markets that create value for businesses, consumers and employees.

Department for Children, Schools and Families

The DCSF (previously the Department for Education and Skills) is responsible for all aspects of policy affecting children and young people, as part of the government's aim to deliver educational excellence.

Department for Communities and Local Government

The DCLG is responsible for creating sustainable communities, local and regional government, fire prevention and the fire service, housing, planning, homelessness, regeneration and social exclusion. The Minister for Communities and Local Government is also the Minister for Women.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The DCMS is responsible for museums, galleries, libraries, built heritage, arts, sport, education, broadcasting and the media, tourism, creative industries, and the National Lottery.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DEFRA is responsible for regulating the food industries, animal welfare, safety standards, and environmental issues including sustainable development and wildlife and countryside management.

Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

The DIUS is responsible for delivering the government's long-term vision to make Britain one of the world's leaders for science, research and innovation, by raising participation and attainment by young people and adults in post-16 education, equipping people with basic literacy and numeracy, and widening participation in Higher Education.

Department for International Development

DfID promotes global sustainable development and the elimination of world poverty.

Department for Transport

The DfT is responsible for overseeing the implementation of an integrated transport system that meets the needs of individuals and business.

Department for Work and Pensions

The DWP is responsible for welfare reform, equal opportunities in the work place, and pensions.

Department of Health

The DoH is responsible for the improvement of the health and well-being of people in England.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The FCO is responsible for promoting UK interests overseas, including through a network of over 200 embassies and other diplomatic offices.

HM Treasury

The Treasury is responsible for formulating and putting into effect financial and economic policy.

Home Office

The Home Office is the government department responsible for leading the national effort to protect the public from terrorism, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Ministry of Defence

The MOD is responsible for organising the defence of the UK and helping maintain peace and stability throughout the world.

Ministry of Justice

The MoJ (incorporating the Department for Constitutional Affairs) is responsible for criminal law and sentencing, the police, prison and probation services plus the promotion of justice, rights and democracy in England and Wales.

Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

The OLHC, supported by the Privy Council Office, is responsible for the programme of business in Parliament, and reform of the House of Commons and electoral policy.

Northern Ireland Office

The NIO is responsible for security, policing and criminal justice, and political and constitutional matters. At present the NIO has assumed responsibility from the suspended Northern Ireland Assembly for economic and social matters.

Privy Council Office

The Lord President of the Council is Leader of the House of the Lords and represents the Government in that House on a number of issues, and supports the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons. The PCO is responsible for the 400 companies, charities and institutions incorporated by Royal Charter, and is the court of final appeal for a number of independent Commonwealth countries and UK overseas territories.

Scotland Office

The Scotland Office is responsible for promoting both Scottish devolution and partnerships between the UK Government and Scottish Executive and the two parliaments. The Secretary of State represents Scottish interests within the UK Government regarding reserved matters, including foreign affairs, taxation, immigration, social security, defence and the constitution.

Wales Office

The Wales Office is responsible for promoting Welsh devolution. The Secretary of State represents both Welsh interests within the UK Government and the UK Government in Wales.