Getting the digital, data and AI specialists government needs
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is working with government departments to attract and retain specialists. We’re implementing a competitive pay framework, high-impact work and clear pathways for new and existing talent.
Our goal
Government is known as one of the best places to build a specialist digital career, and one in 10 civil servants is in a digital or tech role.
What this means for you
This initiative applies to central government only, but close collaboration takes place between the devolved nations.
- Rewarding and sustainable career: if you work in digital or data in government, you’ll have a more rewarding and sustainable career with competitive pay, clear pay and reward structures and defined progression routes.
Our progress so far
March 2025: updated the Digital and Data Pay Framework for all departments
The updated Government Digital and Data Pay Framework was approved for rollout across all departments. This enables departments to offer competitive remuneration for the most critical digital and data roles, helping to attract and retain digital talent, and self-funded by reducing spend on external providers.
April 2025: secured leading AI talent at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
MoJ has partnered with frontier AI companies to secure leading AI talent through fellowship and internship programmes. This has strengthened the organisation’s AI capability and enabled them to set a clear strategic direction for its use in the justice system.
July 2025: trained the first cohort of ‘grow our own’ machine learning engineers
24 data scientists from across central government completed an intensive 12-week AI Accelerator programme, rising to 50 by December 2025. This gave them vital AI and machine learning skills, creating a pipeline of experts ready to deploy responsible AI in public services.
September 2025: expanded the Digital Fast Stream
Added two new technical roles – Software Engineer and Data Scientist – in addition to the four existing roles in the Digital Fast Stream (Business Analyst, User Researcher, Product Manager and Delivery Manager). This aims to help fast streamers develop advanced technical skills that prepare them for the evolving digital landscape.
September 2025: 75 TechTrack apprentices started
75 Software Developer and DevOps Engineer apprentices began the TechTrack Level 4 apprenticeship, designed to build lasting careers in government digital roles. This aims to support a sustainable and diverse digital workforce in government.
What we’re planning to do next
March 2026: expand AI Accelerator programme
Building on the success of the first cohort in July 2025, GDS will add two new learning programmes for Data Scientists and Software Engineers to improve AI skills in government.
March 2026: launch the Returnship programme
This programme brings in technical colleagues who have been out of work for 18 months or more, the majority of whom are women. This programme aims to improve diversity and attract specialist talent.
March 2026 on: expand TechTrack apprenticeship programme across government
Review and refine the current selection of TechTrack roles to ensure it reflects what departments need and improve support for apprentices, including helping them to find other government placements beyond the TechTrack scheme.
June 2026: launch cross-government digital workforce 2030 strategy
Launch a cross-government strategy that supports departments to increase their digital and data workforce and plan for the future. This will help departments meet the ambitions set out in A blueprint for modern digital government.
More information
For more information, contact:
Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Team
Government Digital Service
GDD-profession-capability-team@dsit.gov.uk