Method

Where it comes from, and what the words mean.

Everything Seam reads is public. Most of it is published under open licences, mainly the Open Government Licence and the Open Parliament Licence. A few sources have their own terms, which our terms page sets out. Every item links to the original, so you can check the source. Our terms list the sources and their licences.

New to how government works? See how each kind of record works: what it is, what usually happens next and what you can do.

Glossary

Government writes for people who already work in it. This glossary explains its terms and abbreviations in plain words. If a term is missing, please tell us.

Words we use on Seam

Ask: The question box. Type a question in plain English. Seam answers from the public records it holds, with a link to each one.
Who Matters: A map of the ministers, officials, MPs and public bodies behind an issue you care about, and who they have been meeting. You describe the issue. Seam builds the map and updates it each week.
The briefing: The weekly email. It reads every source, removes almost all of it, and keeps what matters to the company you described.
Source: One of our collections of one kind of document, such as consultations, tenders or impact assessments. Ask searches all of them at once.
Start-ups and scale-ups: Companies under ten years old on the day of the meeting, contract or grant being counted. We check each one against Companies House: it must be a private limited company, not dormant, in a trading industry, and not the UK arm of an overseas firm. About 470 named big corporates never count, nor do investors, trade bodies or companies already listed on a stock market. Being owned by investors or another firm does not by itself rule a company out, but a company does not count when its recent registration does not mark a new venture: when a company registered long before controls it (an established group’s subsidiary), or when its accounts show 200 or more staff within three years of registering (a running business taken over, such as one bought out of administration). Companies the register cannot settle, many of them foreign, also count when they are on a start-up list (the Future Fund, UK Research and Innovation grants, Wikidata) or a check of each one found a start-up that raised money from outside investors, has fewer than 200 staff or was founded in the past five years. Every start-up figure on Seam uses this one test, including the Start-up Access Index.
Sector: The subject area a document is sorted into. A document can sit in more than one, or in none.

What government publishes

Guidance: Instructions on how to comply with a rule. It is not law, but it is usually the practical version of the law. Often it is the only version anyone reads.
Freedom of Information (FOI): The right to ask a public body for information it holds. Departments publish the answers to some requests. Seam reads those published answers.
Written answer: A reply to a question that an MP or peer sent in writing. It is often the only place that names a specific company, contract or figure.
Hansard: The record of what was said in the Westminster Parliament. Holyrood calls its version the Official Report. The Senedd calls its version the Record of Proceedings.
Find a Tender: The government’s website where public bodies advertise contracts and announce who won them. Public bodies must publish most contracts above a set value there.
Framework agreement: A list of approved suppliers that a public body can buy from without a new competition each time. Often the hard part is getting onto the list.
Net present social value (NPSV): The main figure in an impact assessment. It is everything a rule is expected to gain society, minus everything it costs. It is added up over the rule’s life and given in today’s money.
Equivalent annual net direct cost to business (EANDCB): What a rule is expected to cost businesses each year, on average, after any savings to them. A negative figure means business comes out ahead.
Topical questions (topicals): The last part of a department’s question time in the Commons. MPs can ask about anything the department does, without giving the subject in advance.

Who publishes it

Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC): An independent body that marks departments’ impact assessments and reviews. It says whether the evidence behind them is fit for purpose. Its verdict is green (fit for purpose) or red (not fit for purpose).
Small and Micro Business Assessment (SaMBA): The part of an impact assessment that must consider what a rule does to businesses with fewer than 50 staff. Since 2022, the Better Regulation Framework has also required departments to consider, as a separate step, exempting medium-sized businesses (50 to 499 staff). The SaMBA is one of the parts the RPC marks down most often.
Audit Scotland, Audit Wales: The public auditors for Scotland and Wales, reporting to the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd.
Select committee: A cross-party group of MPs or peers that examines one department or subject, takes evidence and publishes reports. The government is expected to reply to them.
Arm’s length body (ALB): A public body that does government work at a distance from ministers. There are several kinds. Executive agencies, such as the DVLA, sit inside a department but run on their own. Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are separate organisations. Some run services and some only give advice. Non-ministerial departments, such as HMRC, are departments with no minister in charge. The Cabinet Office’s count of arm’s length bodies found 304 of them in 2023/24, with about 397,000 staff.
Staff chart: The chart of staff a department publishes: senior posts, who reports to whom, and which posts are vacant. Government calls it an organogram. It is one of the sources behind Who Matters.

How each kind of record works

Every item in your briefing is one of these kinds of record. Each entry says what it is, what usually happens next, and what a company can do with it. Where we give a timing, it is the usual pattern or a published target, not a promise.

Consultation

What it is: Government asks for views before it decides something. It sets out a proposal and a list of questions.
What usually happens next: When it closes, officials read the responses and advise ministers. Government guidance says it should publish a response within 12 weeks, or explain why not. Many responses come later, and some never appear.
What you can do: Anyone can respond, including a small company. Answer the questions that affect your business. Give evidence: numbers, examples and what the change would cost you. A specific answer counts for more than a general opinion.

Consultation, after it closes

What it is: A consultation that has closed and is waiting for the government to publish its response.
What usually happens next: Officials read the responses and advise ministers. Government guidance says it should publish a response within 12 weeks of the close, or explain why not. Many come later, and some never appear. Where it can, Seam estimates when the response is likely, from how long the same department took before.
What you can do: Watch for the response. It says which proposals go ahead, which change and which are dropped. If you responded, check whether government took up your points. If new rules follow, there is often a further, more detailed consultation.

Tender

What it is: A public body asking suppliers to bid for a contract, published on Find a Tender. Procurements begun before February 2025 may still appear on Contracts Finder.
What usually happens next: Bids close on the stated date. The buyer scores them and publishes who won. Under the Procurement Act 2023, there is usually a short wait, called a standstill period, after the buyer decides and before it signs the contract.
What you can do: Read the documents early and register on the buyer’s portal. You can usually ask questions to clarify the tender before a set date. A market engagement or preliminary notice is the earliest stage. It is the best time to talk to the buyer.

Planned contract

What it is: A notice that a public body plans to buy something. A body that spends over £100m a year must publish a pipeline notice. It lists contracts worth more than £2m that the body expects to tender in the 18 months from the start of its financial year. A preliminary market engagement notice invites suppliers to talk before the buyer writes its requirements. A planned procurement notice says a tender is coming soon.
What usually happens next: The buyer may hold market engagement first: a questionnaire, an event or one-to-one meetings. Then it publishes the tender, usually around the month it gave. Plans change, and some contracts are delayed, merged or dropped.
What you can do: If there is a market engagement, answer it before its deadline. Ask the buyer for a meeting to learn what it needs. Register on its supplier portal. If the contract is too big for you alone, look for partners. Plan your bid before the tender opens.

Funding call

What it is: A call for applications for public money, usually from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Innovate UK or a government department.
What usually happens next: Applications close on the stated date. Independent assessors score them, and the funder decides. Decisions often take some months.
What you can do: Read the eligibility rules first. Some calls must be led by a university or by a business of a certain size. Some need you to pay part of the cost yourself. If a university must lead, find an academic partner well before the deadline.

Contract award

What it is: A notice saying which supplier won a public contract, and usually its value and length.
What usually happens next: The contract runs for the stated term. Many are tendered again near the end, so the end date tells you when the next chance may come.
What you can do: See who wins work in your field. A winner may need a partner or subcontractor. Put the end date in your calendar.

Guidance

What it is: Government explaining how a law or rule should be applied in practice.
What usually happens next: It usually applies from publication, unless it gives another date. Some guidance is statutory, which means the law requires certain bodies to take it into account.
What you can do: Check whether it changes what you, your customers or your suppliers have to do. If it is unclear, the publishing department usually gives a contact.

Announcement

What it is: A press release or news story from a government department or minister.
What usually happens next: An announcement is often the first step. The detail can follow in a policy paper, a consultation, a funding call or a bill, sometimes months later.
What you can do: Note which minister and team made it. They are the people to contact. Seam will show you the follow-up when it is published.

Policy paper

What it is: A document that sets out government’s plans or position, such as a strategy, a white paper (firm proposals) or a green paper (ideas for discussion).
What usually happens next: A firm plan often leads to a consultation, then to new rules or a bill. A strategy may come with funding or targets.
What you can do: Look for commitments that affect your market, and for any consultation it promises. A consultation is your chance to shape the detail.

Bill or new law

What it is: A bill is a proposed new law. It passes through both Houses of Parliament in set stages, then gets Royal Assent and becomes an Act. A statutory instrument (SI) is a rule a minister makes using powers in an existing Act.
What usually happens next: A bill usually takes months to pass. Either House can change it at committee and report stage. Parts of an Act often apply only from dates that later commencement regulations set. An SI usually takes effect on the date it states.
What you can do: Check what the change would mean for your business and when it might apply. While a bill is in Parliament you can write to the MPs or peers working on it, or give evidence to the committee examining it.

New legal duty

What it is: The date when a law that has already passed starts to apply to companies like yours, and what to do before then. Seam adds each date by hand from an official page, such as GOV.UK or legislation.gov.uk.
What usually happens next: The duty applies from the date shown. Parts of an Act often start on different days, set by commencement regulations. An expected date can move until those regulations are made.
What you can do: Read the official guidance linked to the item and check what you need to change. The “New rules: start dates” page in Seam lists every upcoming duty and says why each one applies to you. You can add the dates to your own calendar.

Regulator publication

What it is: A publication from a regulator such as Ofgem, Ofcom, the CMA or the Information Commission: new rules, guidance, consultations or decisions. Seam does not hold some regulators, whose website terms bar collection. They include the FCA, the Bank of England and PRA, the PSR, the Pensions Regulator, the FRC, the CAA, the SRA and Ofwat.
What usually happens next: It depends on the kind of document. A consultation takes responses until a date. New rules take effect from a stated date.
What you can do: Check whether it asks for views, and by when. Most regulators also run innovation or sandbox services for new businesses.

Statistics release

What it is: Figures published by a government department or statistics body, on a date announced in advance.
What usually happens next: Release dates can move. When the figures come out, ministers, MPs and the press often use them to argue for or against a policy.
What you can do: Use the figures as evidence when you make your case to government. Expect them to start a debate.

Impact assessment

What it is: Government’s estimate of the costs and benefits of a new rule, including what it will cost businesses to comply.
What usually happens next: It is published with a consultation or with new legislation. The Regulatory Policy Committee may check it.
What you can do: Check the cost figures against your own. If they are wrong for a company like yours, give the real numbers in a consultation response.

RPC opinion

What it is: An opinion from the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC), the independent body that checks the evidence behind new rules for business.
What usually happens next: The opinion has no legal effect by itself. A red, “not fit for purpose” rating is public, and can lead a department to improve its evidence.
What you can do: Use it in your own case. If the RPC found the evidence weak, that supports a request for changes.

Post-implementation review

What it is: A department’s review of whether a regulation did what it was meant to. Many regulations must be reviewed by law, usually within five years.
What usually happens next: The review recommends keeping, changing or removing the rule. Changes need new legislation.
What you can do: Reviews often ask businesses for evidence. If the rule costs you more than it should, this is the time to say so.

Parliamentary question

What it is: A question an MP or peer put to a government department, with the minister’s answer. Written questions are answered in writing.
What usually happens next: The answer is on the public record. MPs often follow up with more questions, a debate or a letter.
What you can do: An answer can tell you what government is planning and when. An MP who asks about your issue may be worth contacting.

Oral question

What it is: A question asked in the House of Commons or House of Lords, which a minister answers in person.
What usually happens next: The exchange is recorded in Hansard, the official record. It can lead to follow-up questions or a debate.
What you can do: See which MPs care about your issue, and what the minister said in public.

Parliamentary debate

What it is: A debate in the House of Commons, the House of Lords or Westminster Hall, recorded in Hansard.
What usually happens next: Most debates do not change the law by themselves. A minister’s reply often states the government’s position.
What you can do: Note which members spoke for or against, and what the minister promised.

Written ministerial statement

What it is: A statement a minister makes to Parliament in writing, to announce a policy, a decision or new information.
What usually happens next: The detail may follow in a policy paper, a consultation or new rules.
What you can do: It is the official version of the decision. Quote it when you write to government.

Parliamentary business

What it is: A record from the UK Parliament, such as a question, a statement or a debate.
What usually happens next: It is on the public record and may lead to follow-up questions or debate.
What you can do: Note which members are active on your issue.

Committee report

What it is: A report from a select committee: a cross-party group of MPs or peers that examines one department or subject.
What usually happens next: Government is expected to publish a reply, usually within two months. The committee may hold further hearings.
What you can do: Committees run inquiries and anyone can send written evidence. The report shows what Parliament is pressing government to change.

Written evidence

What it is: A submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry, published by the committee.
What usually happens next: The committee uses the evidence in its report, and may invite some of those who submitted it to speak at a hearing.
What you can do: See who else is active on your issue. If the inquiry is still open, you can submit your own.

All-party group

What it is: An all-party parliamentary group (APPG) is an informal group of MPs and peers who share an interest. It must register its officers, who runs its secretariat and any money or help in kind worth more than £1,500 a year from one source.
What usually happens next: A new register is published about every six weeks. A group holds meetings and events, and some publish reports, but it cannot change the law or make government act.
What you can do: See which MPs and peers lead the group on your subject, and who runs and funds it. You can ask to attend a meeting, offer evidence for a report, or write to its officers.

Ministerial letter

What it is: A letter to or from a minister that has been published.
What usually happens next: A letter does not change the law, but a written commitment from a minister is often quoted later and can be followed up.
What you can do: Note what was promised and by whom. It can support your own case, or show you who else is active on your issue.

Ministerial meeting

What it is: A department’s published list of the outside people and organisations its ministers or senior officials met.
What usually happens next: Lists come out quarterly, usually some months late, so the meetings themselves are older than the list.
What you can do: See which companies and groups are meeting the people who decide on your issue. It also shows who to ask for a meeting.

Scottish Parliament

What it is: A record from the Scottish Parliament, such as a question to a Scottish minister.
What usually happens next: It is on the public record and may lead to follow-up questions or a committee inquiry.
What you can do: If you work in Scotland, check whether the Scottish approach differs from the rest of the UK.

Senedd

What it is: A record from the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, such as a question or a statement.
What usually happens next: It is on the public record and may lead to follow-up questions or a committee inquiry.
What you can do: If you work in Wales, check whether the Welsh approach differs from the rest of the UK.

Northern Ireland Assembly

What it is: A record from the Northern Ireland Assembly, such as a written question to a minister and the answer, or an item of business in the chamber.
What usually happens next: It is on the public record and may lead to follow-up questions or a committee inquiry.
What you can do: If you work in Northern Ireland, check whether its approach differs from the rest of the UK.

Northern Ireland department

What it is: A publication, news release or consultation from one of the Northern Ireland Executive’s departments.
What usually happens next: A consultation usually runs for several weeks and the department then publishes a response. A publication or announcement may lead to new rules or funding.
What you can do: If you work in Northern Ireland, check whether it changes what you must do. You can respond to a consultation while it is open.

NHS England publication

What it is: Plans, guidance and frameworks from NHS England.
What usually happens next: NHS trusts and other NHS bodies are expected to follow them, and they often lead to new buying decisions.
What you can do: Look for new priorities, targets or frameworks that create demand for what you sell.

Judgment

What it is: A ruling by a court or tribunal in a case involving government or another public body.
What usually happens next: The ruling may be appealed. A ruling against government can force it to change a decision or how it applies a rule.
What you can do: Check whether it changes how a rule that affects you is read. For anything that turns on your own facts, ask a lawyer.

ICO decision

What it is: A decision by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which oversees data protection and freedom of information.
What usually happens next: Either side can usually appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. A public body told to release information must do so by a set date, unless it appeals.
What you can do: Decisions show how the ICO reads the rules, which helps if you handle personal data or ask public bodies for information.

Transparency release

What it is: Data a public body publishes about its own work, such as spending over a set amount, staff numbers or how it handled requests.
What usually happens next: Most are published on a regular cycle, often monthly or quarterly.
What you can do: Use spending data to see who a body pays and for what. It helps you find buyers, and the suppliers you compete with.

Audit Scotland report

What it is: A report from Audit Scotland, the public auditor for Scotland.
What usually happens next: The audited body is expected to respond, and a Scottish Parliament committee may hold hearings on it.
What you can do: It shows where a public body is under pressure to improve. New suppliers may be needed there.

Audit Wales report

What it is: A report from Audit Wales, the public auditor for Wales.
What usually happens next: The audited body is expected to respond, and a Senedd committee may hold hearings on it.
What you can do: It shows where a public body is under pressure to improve. New suppliers may be needed there.

How good are these forecasts?

When a consultation has closed and is still waiting, Seam estimates when the government will publish its response. It counts how long the same department took over its past consultations, and how many were still waiting at the same age. No AI is involved, only counting.

To test the method, we ran it on the past. On the first of each month we asked what it would have said, using only what was known that day, then checked what happened.

We give a figure only where back-tested forecasts of that size came close to what happened. Elsewhere we say the timing is uncertain.

This is a back-test, worked out afterwards. It shows how the method behaves. It is not a record of forecasts we published.

We say nothing about a consultation two years after it closed, when too few past cases were still waiting at the same age, or when its department has too little history of its own.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.