Building all civil servants’ digital, data and AI skills
The Government Digital Service (GDS) and government departments are making sure all civil servants have the skills they need to work in modern government through clear learning pathways, apprenticeships and leadership development.
Our goal
The civil service is digital first, and every civil servant – regardless of role or background – has enough understanding of digital, data and technology to deliver a modern digital government.
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.
- Smarter services: if you use public services, you’ll benefit from simpler, smarter and more secure services delivered by skilled and confident teams working with digital, data and AI specialists.
- Access to skills development: if you work in the public sector, you’ll have access to the digital, data, AI and innovation skills you need to deliver modern, efficient public services – regardless of your role or level.
Our progress so far
Departments have already been embedding and formalising digital upskilling. Some illustrative examples:
- October 2023: HMRC established HMRC Digital Academy which allows employees to develop their digital, data and AI skills through modern learning tools like AI simulations, offering training from foundational awareness to expert proficiency.
- April 2025: HMRC launched the Tax, Customs and Compliance Academy (TCCA). This will support HMRC colleagues to build practical, professional and operational capabilities that help them meet HMRC’s standards and deliver modern, digital customer experiences.
- July 2025: Ministry of Defence launched My Digital Skills learning platform, which provides access to lessons and insights from technology leaders and partners for all defence personnel and a limited number of veterans and cadets.
Government-wide initiatives have also gotten underway:
- October 2025: launched ‘Get Tech Certified’, an annual campaign helping civil servants get industry-recognised certifications in key areas like cloud, data and cyber security. By partnering with leading tech providers, it offers clear pathways for staff to develop specialist skills. This will build vital in-house capability, reduce reliance on contractors and help government deliver modern, secure services.
- October 2025: launched an AI focused programme under the Cabinet Office’s annual One Big Thing Civil Service learning initiative, supporting all civil servants to learn essential skills, test them in their work and build confidence using AI responsibly.
What we’re planning to do next
April 2026: launch core digital curriculum for all civil servants
GDS will launch an initial cross-government learning offer for all civil servants alongside a plan for a full roll-out. This will give civil servants at every level the tools and knowledge to work in a modern digital government.
More information
For more information about this work, contact:
Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Team
Government Digital Service
GDD-profession-capability-team@dsit.gov.uk