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.
Our goal
Whenever public sector teams use AI to create or enhance public services, it’s deployed to the highest standards of ethics, safety and transparency.
What this means for you
This initiative does not cover the whole UK. Whether it applies depends on the service and where it is available. The Devolved Governments decide how it will apply in their area.
- Transparency and public trust: you can be confident that we will transparently communicate about our use of AI and algorithmic tools where they have an impact on members of the public and invite feedback where appropriate.
- A focus on responsibility and the public good: this means that we are developing and deploying public sector AI solutions in line with ethical guidelines, and working to mitigate against potential biases or other harmful impacts from the very start.
- Clarity on ethics and compliance: if you work in the public sector, you’ll get clear guidance and practical tools that enable you to assess and align your projects with legal requirements and the existing best practice in ethics and governance standards.
- Expert support: you’ll have access to experts who can provide tailored advice, helping you confidently navigate complex data issues and the risks associated with deploying new AI systems.
Our progress so far
February 2025: published the AI Playbook for the UK government
Published accessible guidance on the safe, responsible and effective use of AI, which is supplemented by more technical content via the AI Insights series. This ensures public servants of all levels of confidence can understand AI practices across government.
May 2025: launched the AI Knowledge Hub
Created a central online space to bring together key guidance like the AI Playbook for the UK government, as well as practical tools and examples to help public sector teams navigate AI confidently and responsibly.
July 2025: launched a call for the Responsible AI Advisory Panel
Opened applications for members to join the panel, bringing together leading voices in AI ethics, technology and policy to advise on responsible use across government.
January 2026: published the new Data and AI Ethics Framework
The refreshed Data and AI Ethics Framework gives government teams up‑to‑date, comprehensive guidance to support the use of new technologies.
What we’re planning to do next
March 2026: host first Responsible AI Advisory Panel meeting to define priority areas
The panel will meet for the first time to discuss and agree priority topics for review and advice.
April 2026: launch interactive version of the Data and AI Ethics Framework
This interactive framework will help teams access the guidance and case studies in more user-friendly ways and improve how they apply the Data and AI Ethics Framework in their projects.
April 2026: update procurement guidance for responsible AI
Update the “Buying AI” section of the AI playbook, in cooperation with the Government Commercial Function. This will help teams maintain strong transparency and ethical standards while making use of innovative new technologies.
More information
For more information about this work, contact:
Responsible Data and AI Team
Government Digital Service
GDS-Responsible-Data-AI@dsit.gov.uk
gov.uk/government/groups/gds-responsible-ai-advisory-panel
You can also download the AI Playbook for the UK Government, read the AI Insights series and visit the AI knowledge hub.