Harness the power of AI for the public good

We’re promoting responsible AI adoption and strengthening skills across government to create more inclusive, accessible and productive public services that work for everyone.

AI is advancing at an extraordinary pace and, if harnessed responsibly, could become government’s most powerful lever to deliver the missions set out in the Plan for Change. From improving public services to driving economic growth, AI brings vast potential for innovation. In practice, this could mean supporting quicker diagnoses in healthcare, better-targeted training opportunities or faster access to information and advice.

However, if not designed with care, AI risks creating new barriers for people who are already disadvantaged and reducing trust in public services. That’s why, as outlined in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we’re making bold investments in digital foundations, data and skills to ensure the UK leads the way in responsible, fair and transparent AI adoption. Our approach focuses on building systems that are safe, explainable and equitable, so you can trust how decisions are made.

To accelerate this, we’re testing new ways to design AI innovations in the public sector and drawing on expertise to provide advice across government and solve complex, cross-sector challenges. We’re building knowledge and promoting a scaled approach through the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars Programme, which shows services using AI to deliver more accurate diagnoses, more personalised learning and simpler access to support – helping services respond more effectively to individual needs.

Higher productivity and efficiency

To achieve higher productivity and efficiency, we’re building and testing specially-designed AI tools for the public sector. These tools will reduce waiting times and improve accuracy in decision-making, meaning you’ll get access to and answers about services faster.

Firmer foundations

We’re building firmer foundations by safely integrating AI and automation into public services and setting an example for responsible adoption across the sector.

Find out more about the work we’re delivering below.

Driving public sector productivity with innovation and prototyping

Experts in the Incubator for AI (i.AI) are identifying and rapidly testing AI innovations that solve complex problems across the public sector. With products like Consult and Extract, they’re building the tools public servants need to work more efficiently and productively.

Using AI and technology in education to improve pupil outcomes and reduce staff workload

The Department for Education (DfE), is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to build the foundations for the safe and effective use of technology and AI to improve outcomes and productivity.

Promoting a test-and-learn approach across the public sector through the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is helping public sector teams adopt AI by testing real use cases through the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars Programme. Teams across the sector will learn how they can trial and scale AI solutions quickly that improve services and support the people who deliver them.

Creating practical guidance for responsible AI adoption

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is creating clear, central guidance and resources to help public sector teams develop, buy and use AI responsibly.