Benjamin Welby

@bm.wel.by

782 Followers 1028 Following

Following Jesus, husbanding and dadding, supporting #bcafc. Displaced Yorkshireman in Croydon. Governor @minsterinfants.bsky.social. Digital government, public service, hope. TBI; formerly DWP, NHS, GDS, OECD. These views are mine. https://bm.wel.by/

Screenshot of a four-column table summarising officiating appointments for 12 FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout matches. The columns are "Match", "On-field referee team", "VAR team", and "Pattern". Each row lists the competing nations with flags, the nationality of the referee team, the nationalities of the three VAR officials, and a short description of the geographic makeup. The table shows a consistent pattern of internationally mixed officiating teams. Examples include South Africa v Canada with a Portuguese referee and Spanish, Brazilian and Argentine VAR officials; France v Sweden with an entirely UEFA VAR team (Netherlands, Belgium, Poland); England v DR Congo with a Jordanian referee and Qatar, UAE and USA VAR officials; and Brazil v Norway with a US referee and Nicaragua, Uruguay and Spain in the VAR booth. The final row, highlighted in bold, is Mexico v England, showing an Australian referee team and a VAR team made up entirely of Latin American officials from Colombia, Chile and Venezuela, with the pattern described as "Entirely Latin American VAR team.
A sunlit view over a packed Wimbledon Court 18, with spectators filling the stands as a player in white walks near the baseline on the grass court under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
À Wimbledon Queue Card numbered 09865 for Saturday 4 July 2026 rests on a child’s pink watermelon lunch bag on a picnic blanket, with grass and another blanket in the background.
AI summary from bing.com in response to the query 'what is 1600 UK to EST': 1300 EST time (1:00 PM EST) To convert 1600 UK time to EST, you need to subtract 5 hours. Therefore, 1600 UK time is 1300 EST time (1:00 PM EST). This is because Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 5 hours behind UK time. The summary links through to a site called Worldtime Buddy.
Screenshot taken from the Met Police crime reporting web service reads: "For security reasons we haven't emailed your report to you. You can download a copy of it, using the button below"
A screenshot of a Google search result. The query was 'have arsenal won the champions league' and the AI generated result indicates: Arsenal Championships won: 4 - Premier League 1997, 2001, 2003 0 - UEFA Champions League
A screenshot of a Google search result. The query was 'have arsenal won the champions league' and the AI generated result indicates: Arsenal Championships won: 4 - Premier League 1997, 2001, 2003 1 - UEFA Champions League 2025
A clip taken from Bradford City vs Bolton Wanderers in the 2026 League One Playoff semi final. At 0-0 on the night and 1-0 to Bolton on aggregate, Kayden Jackson crosses the ball. Max Conway, the Bolton defender does not have his arms by his side or behind his back and handles the ball. The clip shows Conway sheepishly looking over his shoulder and guiltily claiming his hands were behind his back. The referee waved away the penalty and signals a corner.
When I joined the Government Digital Service (GDS) in May 2012 I felt incredibly lucky. I became part of a movement with a mission to transform government. For me, the opportunities offered by technology were not about shiny new interfaces or misty-eyed enthusiasm for the latest gadgets. The mission of GDS was far more profound: transforming lives and reshaping the very fabric of how to govern. Those beliefs weren’t new. Long before GDS existed, I’d been captivated by the promise of the Internet as a force for good, powered by the amazing GovCamp community (my first was LocalGovCamp Lincoln in 2009). In 2010 I wrote my MSc dissertation (Doing I.T. Ourselves: Citizen-produced websites and their relationship to public services) on how public services were being reshaped by citizens themselves. In response to the news of GDS’ creation I wrote AlphaLocalGov (May 2011) and then Government as a Local Platform (February 2012) So, it was pretty clear that I believed that embracing digital principles could help government become more open, more responsive, more trusted, more effective, and more attuned to the needs of its citizens (ideas I got to write up in The impact of digital government on citizen well-being, May 2019). So when I joined GDS, I saw the mission as far more than building a better website. Being part of the ‘digital centre’ was to be part of advocating for a transformation in the relationship between the state and its people. The strength of the “Better for Less” argument wasn’t solely about efficiency; it was about governing better, to genuinely improve lives and build a society where trust in public institutions was strengthened through transparency and accountability. But maybe my personal perspective was always overly optimistic. Excerpt from https://ukdgr.wel.by/evolution-revolution-reformation-what-next-for-digital-government-in-the-uk/
Premier Christianity email with the headline 'Reform UK's top strategist: 'I'm a practising Anglican hanging on by my fingernails'
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View towards the Kop inside Valley Parade ahead of kick off in the Bradford City vs Leyton Orient League One fixture today on 07/03/2026. The stand is packed with supporters wearing claret and amber, many waving flags. A large banner stretches across the stand reading “THIS IS OUR HOUSE. THIS IS BRADFORD CITY.” Despite it being 3pm the floodlights glow against an overcast sky while fans in the foreground stand, some holding phones to take photos. The green pitch fills the right side of the frame with the stand rising steeply behind it.
A wide-angle view inside the Madjeski Stadium before kickoff, showing the green football pitch with striped mowing patterns and two small portable goals set up near the near touchline. Blue seating wraps around the stadium, with scattered fans already in their seats and more gathering along the concourses. Stewards in high-visibility jackets stand pitchside. A large circular logo covers the center circle, and the partly cloudy sky is visible above the open roof structure as the ground prepares for the Reading vs Bradford City match on 28/02/26.
Wimbledon FC's Plough Lane stadium from behind the goal. The net is blue and yellow. The Bradford City players are wearing pink and in a huddle near the half way line. The Wimbledon players are in blue. Three sides of the ground are visible with the rear of the flats behind the Paul Strank Stand visible. The day is overcast and cloudy.
A screenshot of a broadband provider’s upgrade page showing three fibre package options displayed side by side. On the left, “Your current package” is Fibre 1 with full fibre technology: 50Mb download speed for £30.98 per month for 24 months, with 10 Mbps upload speed and 25 Mbps guaranteed speed. In the centre, marked “Recommended for you,” is Fibre 2 with Complete Wi-Fi: 74Mb download speed for £27.98 per month for 24 months, with 20 Mbps upload speed and 34 Mbps guaranteed speed. The price increases to 31.98 from 31/03/26 and to 35.98 from 31/03/26. A blue “Add to order” button appears below. On the right, marked “Recommended – upgrade for same price you’re paying,” is Full Fibre 150 with Complete Wi-Fi: 150Mb download speed for £30.98 per month for 24 months, with 30 Mbps upload speed and 100 Mbps guaranteed speed. The price increases to £34.98 from 31/03/26 and then to £38.98 from 31/03/27. A blue “Add to order” button appears below. Each package includes a “View details” link and a checkbox option to compare plans.
A framed black-and-white photograph displayed on a white brick wall shows an elderly woman with curly white hair and glasses holding up a large printed image of a baby’s face in front of her own. She points gently toward the baby’s cheek, visually linking youth and old age. Reflections from gallery lights are visible on the glass. The handwritten caption beneath reads: “Dolly was incarcerated in the Moor Psychiatric Hospital Lancaster for having an illegitimate child in her early teens. She never left and died 18 months after I took her photograph in 1994.” A signature appears at the lower right of the mount.
A child rides a zip line across a sandy playground in Saltaire on a bright winter day. Wooden swings and climbing frames stand nearby, with Salts Mill and its tall chimney visible in the background beneath a clear blue sky.
View from the canal towpath in Shipley looking through a tall metal fence toward the former HMRC office site. The cleared riverside land and rubble are visible in the foreground, with wooded hills and houses beyond, and a modern apartment building on the right under a clear blue sky.
Birmingham Council House in Victoria Square, seen from ground level, with stone steps, tram tracks in the foreground, a statue at the centre, and modern glass buildings rising behind under a blue sky.
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A screenshot of the BibleGateway website. Content Unavailable Bible Gateway is currently unavailable to consumers in the United Kingdom and European Union due to technical issues. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Paid Bible Gateway Plus account users in these regions should receive a refund for their subscription no later than September 15, 2025. If you have not received a refund by this date, please reach out to Customer Service. Frequently Asked Questions When will access to Bible Gateway be restored for UK and EU consumers? We are working on a new solution. I have a paid subscription to Bible Gateway Plus. Will I be reimbursed? Yes, users who have a paid Bible Gateway Plus account should receive a refund for their subscription no later than September 15, 2025. If you have not received a refund by this date, please reach out to Customer Service. Will saved content (e.g., notes, progress) be accessible? No, all account data and saved content will no longer be accessible. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. What content will be available once Bible Gateway is restored? We are working on a new solution.
The Portuguese government created a Social Energy Tariff to assist with energy costs in 2010. The service required eligible users to sign up and register to receive it, but the initial data showed that those who should have benefited from the tariff were not registering to receive it. User research identified that these people were unaware that they needed to apply for it. This prompted a decision to automate the process and make it proactive. Using Portugal’s Interoperability Platform for the Public Administration (iAP), data could be shared between the Directorate General for Energy and Geology, energy companies, the tax system, and the social security system. Taken from "Building a data-driven public sector Part 1: The potential of data for delivering public value" - https://bm.wel.by/ym
A screenshot of an email from Citi with the subject line “Action Required” and the message “Please make a payment today.” The Citi logo appears at the top. The email states that the recipient's checking account has an overdraft balance and encourages immediate payment to bring the account current. The message includes basic payment options like transferring funds from another Citi account. Personal information such as the recipient’s name and account details are blacked out for privacy.
A screenshot showing the results returned by Kimi AI for cinemas en route between Northampton and Croydon. The list details options on Ashburn, Virginia; Washington, DC; Orlando, Florida; Orange County, Florida; North Naples, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; Dania Beach, Florida; Kendale Lakes, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Honolulu, Hawaii.
A “Back to School” uniform display in a Morrisons supermarket, featuring children's school clothing and stationery. The top signage has cheerful images of children in school uniforms and large text reading “Back to School” and “Uniforms.” Beneath it, school clothing such as grey skirts, trousers, white polo shirts, and black cardigans are neatly hung with yellow “Save 25%” signs. To the right, a section offers half-price school stationery including pens, glue sticks, and lunch boxes.
A screenshot of an email from Dartford Crossing Customer Service, timestamped 13:16. The message informs the recipient that from 1 September 2025, the UK Government will change charges for all vehicles using the Dartford Crossing. As a result, Dart Charge terms and conditions will also be updated on the same date. Key points: If using Pay As You Go (PAYG), no changes are needed. Users can continue managing and paying as usual. A link is provided to the updated terms and conditions. Key changes listed: Crossing charges, account discount rates, and local resident charges are changing. The Local Resident Discount Scheme (LRDS) 10/20 plans are renamed "Limited" and "Unlimited." Minimum low balance threshold has increased. Minimum top-up amount has increased. Further links are given for more details and assistance, including: https://gov.uk/government/collections/dart-charge https://nationalhighways.co.uk/help-centre/dart-charge-price-change https://gov.uk/dart-charge A helpline phone number: 0300 300 0120, with a textphone number also listed.
A text message from UK Power Networks, timestamped at 15:29, informs residents of an emergency power cut. The message states that due to a newly identified safety issue with the electricity supply in the local area, power to 662 properties has been turned off as a precaution. It apologises for the lack of advance notice, explaining that the situation was unexpected. The message notes that the alert was sent to a wide area and reassures recipients that if they still have power, they are not expected to be affected. The background of the message is light green.
A photograph of a brightly lit storefront at night, showing two adjoining food establishments under one roof. On the left, a turquoise and blue sign reads "FIVE WAYS FISH BAR" with a fish logo and the words "Traditional Fish & Chips - Grilled Fish - Burgers" along with a "Halal" symbol. On the right, a black and gold sign reads "TASTE OF KABUL" with a crest and a matching "Halal" symbol.
A temporary modular road surface is installed on a tarmac road, composed of yellow and black plastic segments. To the right of the temporary surface, two visible cracks are emerging along the edge where the cover meets the road.
A deep hole is visible in a tarmac road where a section of a modular temporary cover has been removed. The exposed area reveals the ongoing collapse of the sides of the hole compared to the original cavity. The line of the original rectangular cavity is visible but further cracking and degradation is visible along the top of the hole.
A photo of a modular yellow and black temporary cover installed on a tarmac road. On the left hand side part of the black section of the cover is not resting on road surface but is falling into the hole it is supposed to be protecting. The rest of the cover is intact, with bolt holes and molded text visible on the surface.
A page from the Read Write Inc. phonics book 'Off sick'. The illustration shows a child sitting up in bed with a parent hugging them, and another parent standing beside the bed stroking the child's hair. The room has a box of tissues and books on the floor. Text on the page reads: "Mum and Dad popped in and sat on my bed. Dad hugged me and Mum kissed me. We will go swimming tomorrow, they said. Then we will go to the sweet shop. You can have the biggest lolly in the shop. Then you can pick a film from the shop. I said, OK. It’s not that bad, being off sick." In the bottom right corner, there’s a note to parents: "Now ask your child to re-read the story helping him or her think about the best way to read each sentence."
The joy of promotion. A smiling man wearing a Bradford City shirt has a young girl in a pink jumper sitting on his shoulders, laughing gleefully. In the foreground, a boy in a baseball cap beams at the camera. Around them, fans dressed in claret and amber fill the stands.
A young girl beaming with joy poses in front of Billy Bantam, the Bradford City mascot wearing claret and amber. The girl is dressed in a white Bradford City away kit with claret and amber stripes. They are standing inside the crowded concourse of Valley Parade. It is filled with fans, with Bradford City banners and signage visible in the background.
A smiling family inside a car, preparing for a football match. The man in the front wears a claret and amber Bradford City shirt and glasses. Two children in the back seat are also smiling—one wearing a white Bradford City away shirt, the other in a blue Bradford City shirt. A woman is partially visible on the left, leaning in with a joyful expression. The car boot has football scarves visible.
Screenshot from MyEquifax WebDetect Alert: Information Found From Equifax on 25/04/2025 We’re contacting you because WebDetect has located some of your personal information on the internet. We found the following information: Date: 23/4/2025 Type: your Email Address
2.3.6 From Nash Lee End (to the north) – this route would require HS2 to build new structures to cross several water courses and require the removal of hedgerows. The route would therefore, potentially damage wildlife habitat. HS2 do not have access rights to the land between Nash Lee End and the location of the spring chamber.
Conservative Cllr Patrick Fealey said: “Yet we have got this hugely overengineered proposal to put the track in and build the track up.” Fellow Tory Cllr Ashley Bond said the proposed works were effectively ‘a hole with a drain’, which could be ‘done with a tractor’, while his Tory colleague Cllr Frank Mahon said HS2 had ‘once again failed to listen to residents’. After the meeting, Liberal Democrat candidate for Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville Seb Berry told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This is a really great result for Wendover residents, but this proposal should never have reached the formal planning application stage.”
Screenshotted text: "But across the pond the situation is not only very firmly two party at the national level, in great swathes of the US there is effectively single party government at the state level. It is at least quite balanced, as by my count of unopposed candidates Imade it 871 Democrats to 824 Republicans (and a couple of Independents). Even before a vote was cast in the national elections, 20 of the seats in Congress had the same experience In six states, with a total population of 27 million people, more than half of the seats were uncontested. In Massachusetts for example, 146 seats out of 200 were won (mostly by Democrats) before a vote was cast. The inverse scenario played out in Wyoming with 56 out of 77 seats being won by Republicans when nominations closed (2 Democrats did win under the same conditions). These are some troubling foundations for democracy. State level legislatures still have meaty responsibilities and deserve a healthier level of democratic activity than this. Just imagine how we'd respond if Denmark (a country witha similar population to Massachusetts) held elections where only a quarter of parliamentary seats were contested."
Screenshotted text: "Developers can now offer alternatives to Google Play's Billing system to their users that pay for digital content and services in the United Kingdom. If a developer chooses to offer an alternative billing system in their app, your child will be able to make in-app purchases of digital content through alternative billing. Play purchase approvals won't apply if your child makes a purchase through alternative billing. You can review all apps on your child's device in Family Link, but purchases made by your child through alternative billing will not appear in your child's purchase history. For support, refund requests, or other questions about purchases made through alternative billing, contact the developer."
The top half of the League Two table at full time on Saturday 1st March 2025 1st. Walsall with 67 points from 34 games, goal difference +26 2nd. Bradford City with 63 points from 34 games, goal difference +16 3rd. Doncaster Rovers with 61 points from 34 games, goal difference +11 4th. Notts County with 58 points from 33 games, goal difference +19 5th. AFC Wimbledon with 57 points from 33 games, goal difference +22 6th. Port Vale with 56 points from 32 games, goal difference +18 7th. Crewe with 52 points from 33 games, goal difference +8 8th. Grimsby with 52 points from 33 games, goal difference -2 9th. Salford with 48 points from 33 games, goal difference +6 10th. Bromley with 48 points from 34 games, goal difference +3 11th. Colchester with 46 points from 33 games, goal difference +6 12th. Cheltenham with 46 points from 33 games, goal difference 0
A nighttime football match scene at Hayes Lane, the home of Bromley FC ahead of their match against Bradford City. The pitch is illuminated by floodlights, with a well-maintained grass field and white boundary lines. In the foreground, fans in warm clothing, including hats and scarves, are gathered near the pitch, some talking and others taking photos. A security steward in a high-visibility jacket is standing near the crowd.
A photo looking out at the St Andrews pitch under floodlights over the shoulder of a young boy ahead of the Vertu Trophy Semi Final between Birmingham City and Bradford City. He's wearing a hat in the claret and amber of Bradford City.
A photo looking towards the Shed End at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC. The Shed End is full of Bradford City fans while in the foreground Chelsea fans look on. The photo was taken on 24th January 2015 during the FA Cup Fourth Round tie between Chelsea, the Premier League leaders at the time and Bradford City of League One. Chelsea took a 2-0 lead but Bradford City overturned thst deficit to win 4-2 in one of the all-time shocks of the FA Cup.
A screenshot of a group chat message claiming to offer a "Winter Cold Weather Allowance" from the DWP for £300 to help with heating bills during sustained snowfall. The message includes a link and states applications must be completed by January 17. It further claims funds will be deposited into the recipient’s bank account within one week. Warning: This message is a phishing attempt. The use of a shortened URL, urgency, and request for personal details indicate it is not an official communication from the UK government. Do not click the link or share personal information.
A supermarket vegetable display with mostly empty green plastic crates. One crate contains a single stalk of Brussels sprouts priced at £1.50, while other crates nearby show minimal stock or empty packaging. The price labels and packaging details are visible, reflecting low inventory levels.
Message from Amazon stating that delivery was attempted at 5:23 PM but that 'unfortunately, Royal Mail couldn't complete your delivery and is holding it for you to pick up. We're very sorry for the inconvenience.'
Screenshot of an exchange between me and Parcelforce. Your parcel will be delivered today by Antonio from Parcelforce and it should be with you between 11:00 and 12:00. Or reply 1,2,3 or 4 for delivery: 1 To a neighbour 2 To local Post Office for me to collect 3 Next working day* 4 Two working days* from today *Mon-Fri Track your parcel at (url obscured) Thank you for the request to deliver your parcel to a Post Office. We will leave a card giving the details of where you should collect your parcel. You will also receive a text when your parcel is delivered to the Post Office
A wide shot of the Palace of Youth and Sports, an iconic structure in Pristina with a Brutalist architectural style. The building features tall, angled concrete spires and expansive glass panels, creating a striking and imposing appearance. In the foreground, there is a large plaza with reddish brick paving, blue and white lampposts, and a few flagpoles. The clear blue sky adds to the open and dramatic feel of the scene.
A plate of tagliatelle pasta served with creamy sauce, small pieces of salmon, herbs, truffle, and grated cheese. The dish is presented in a textured ceramic bowl on a wooden table with a red and white checkered tablecloth partially visible in the background. A fork rests on the right side of the bowl, partially twirling the pasta.
Photograph of a screen displaying the Jesuit Pupil Profile which consists of 16 virtues or characteristics: loving hopeful attentive learned curious faith-filled prophetic wise generous eloquent intentional grateful discerning compassionate active truthful The explanatory text reads: "Some of these are clearly linked to your academic and extra curricular progress (being curious and active, eloquent and truthful, so that you can be learned and wise)...while the others are more obviously to do with the formation of character and personality (being grateful and generous, attentive and discerning, compassionate and loving, faith- filled and hopeful, intentional and prophetic). The virtues of the profile weave and thread together and, taken together, envision what a well-rounded and well-educated, good and virtuous young person could be like: someone made in the image and likeness of God"
A photograph taken looking towards Buckingham Palace along The Mall. The flags of Qatar and the United Kingdom are alternately hung on either side of the road.
Screenshot from a legitimate email from Google. The subject line is 'Urgent: Sign in to your Google Account if you want to keep it'
Screenshot of tracking status from Yodel's app saying "We have it. We have your parcel. Please check back for updates"
Photograph of an extract of a letter from the UK Disclosure and Barring Service that does not start on GOV.UK. The letter reads To create an online account: Type the following into the address bar of your browser: https://disclosure.homeoffice.gov.uk At the top of the page click on 'Register' Select 'Create an individual account' and follow the instructions Once you have created your online account, you can then use the authorisation code to link to your DBS profile: Log in to your DBS online account Click the link<>Authorisation code (top left hand corner) and enter the code when prompted With an online account that is linked to your DBS profile, you will be able to gain access to a number of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) products and services. If you need any further guidance, please visit www.gov.uk/dbs or contact us on the telephone number above, quoting the reference number provided. If you require information on how to use your DBS online account visit our guidance page at: https://www. .uk/guidance/dbs-online-account-quidance
Self portrait photograph of a man wearing a black hoody. His head and shoulders are visible and he has brown hair, glasses and a moustache.
A cookie consent form that reads "We believe your data is your property and support your right to privacy and transparency. Select a Data Access Level and Duration to choose how we use and share your data." There are then options of Silver (sharing the least data), Gold and Platinum with a drop down to select length of time. Silver is selected which is "Highest level of privacy. Data accessed for necessary basic operations only. Data shared with 3rd parties to ensure the site is secure and works on your device"
Screenshot of a WhatsApp message quote reply: Quoted message: I have basically disengaged from the online discourse and taken solace in writing about Presidential facial hair https://bm.wel.by/F2 Reply: Hahahaha ok this is definitely the funniest article on the US election I have seen so far 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Another phishing attempt masquerading as an application for winter fuel payments. This time using the rebrand.ly link shortening domain and still ultimately pointing to a .top TLD.
A phishing attempt received by email. The message reads "The winter heating subsidy benefit plan provided by the government reminds you: November is about to begin the severe cold period of this winter. The local council will decide to issue you a winter heating subsidy. If you can receive our information to prove that you meet the conditions for receiving it, there is no age limit for this subsidy plan. You can apply in the link Once you apply, we will review and issue it as soon as possible without affecting your receipt of other benefits. https://shorturl.at/W63X7?_k=VqDb0 Thank you for your support to the UK Government."