The UK government is significantly accelerating its adoption of artificial intelligence across public services, as ministers seek to modernise outdated systems, enhance productivity, and strengthen national security frameworks.
Embedding AI Expertise in Whitehall
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced a new cohort of British AI specialists who will spend the next year embedded within government departments. This initiative is backed by a substantial $1 million contribution from technology giant Meta, delivered through the prestigious Alan Turing Institute.
This programme represents a core component of a broader governmental push to integrate advanced technology into frontline public services. The embedded experts will focus on developing open-source tools designed to address practical challenges, including constructing secure networks for defence and national security applications.
Addressing Public Sector Productivity
Ministers view this initiative as a direct response to persistently weak public sector productivity, which remains below pre-pandemic levels despite increased government spending. Official statistics reveal that productivity across state-run services is still approximately three percent lower than in 2019, with the healthcare sector being particularly affected.
Ian Murray, the minister for data and modern digital government, emphasised the transformative aim of the programme. "Having met the fellows I know they will play a pivotal role in re-wiring our healthcare, police, transport systems and more, to make sure hardworking people benefit from the opportunities that only technologies like AI can deliver," he stated.
Developing AI Assistants for Public Use
Alongside the fellowship programme, DSIT has confirmed a new partnership with artificial intelligence company Anthropic to build an AI assistant for the Gov.UK platform. Powered by Anthropic's Claude chatbot, this assistant will initially concentrate on assisting jobseekers by providing career advice and guidance on various training opportunities.
The project will follow the government's established "scan, pilot, scale" methodology, with a limited rollout anticipated later this year before any broader deployment. Anthropic engineers will collaborate directly with civil servants and the Government Digital Service, with a strong emphasis on skills transfer to ensure the technology can be maintained internally.
Expanding AI Applications Across Services
Beyond employment services, government officials are actively testing how artificial intelligence could simplify access to energy bill support schemes and reduce repetitive administrative form-filling for citizens. This technological push forms part of a wider digital transformation agenda launched last year, which includes new operational teams like CustomerFirst, led by former Monzo executive Tristan Thomas, aimed at cutting waiting times across government departments.
The integration of AI agents into public service delivery represents a significant shift in how the UK government approaches technological modernisation, with clear objectives to improve efficiency, security, and user experience across multiple critical sectors.
