The UK Government has launched a series of AI training courses aimed at civil servants to bolster public sector efficiency and productivity. These courses, spearheaded by the Cabinet Office and Government Skills, intend to equip civil servants with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications in government operations.
The AI training covers essential areas such as AI ethics, generative AI tools, large language models, machine learning, and natural language processing. This initiative aims to prepare civil servants for the increasing influence of AI technologies across various government departments. Among the practical applications is the utilisation of an AI-powered chatbot, Redbox Copilot, which assists civil servants by summarising letters, briefings, and speech transcripts, thereby enhancing their daily work efficiency.
Michael Thornton, Senior Director of Public Sector at Investigo, hailed the initiative, stating, ‘Artificial intelligence can be a huge driver of efficiency across the public sector, saving civil servants upwards of tens of hours a week each. It’s therefore encouraging to see the Government launching new AI courses for Civil Servants, covering key areas such as ethics and generative AI tools that can greatly boost productivity.’ Thornton further emphasised the necessity of bridging skills gaps by adopting a strategic approach in managing interim and consultancy staff to support AI integration. He added, ‘By bringing in specialised talent alongside AI skills training, the public sector can ensure the smooth rollout of AI technologies while transferring crucial knowledge to civil servants to maintain these systems.’
The new AI courses replace seven outdated modules in the Government’s Generative AI suite and provide a blend of video, interactive, and written content to offer a well-rounded learning experience. Tristan Wilkinson, Chief for Public Sector at AND Digital, underscored the significance of incorporating data management in the curriculum. ‘Boosting public sector efficiency should be a top priority to improve the delivery of key public services. Equipping Civil Servants with AI skills to improve productivity is a welcome sight,’ he said. Wilkinson highlighted that a robust focus on data within AI training is crucial, covering areas such as data quality, governance, and ethics. ‘Data is at the heart of any AI model, so it’s important that training covers these topics, especially in the wake of the EU AI Act. By embracing a data AND ethics approach, staff will be able to operate systems in a safe and trustworthy manner and truly maximise the benefits that AI has to offer.’
The courses available include ‘AI: Fundamentals,’ ‘AI: Understanding AI Ethics,’ ‘AI: The Business Value of AI,’ ‘AI: Gen AI Tools and Applications,’ ‘AI: Working with Large Language Models,’ ‘AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning,’ ‘AI: Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition,’ ‘AI: Computer Vision,’ and ‘AI: Technical Curriculum.’ These courses not only seek to enhance AI literacy among civil servants but also align with the UK Government’s broader strategy to improve public sector productivity and deliver superior services through the strategic use of artificial intelligence.
This initiative marks a significant step in the UK Government’s efforts to integrate AI technology into public sector operations, aiming to enhance service delivery and overall efficiency. By equipping civil servants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the government ensures that its workforce is well-prepared to navigate and leverage the growing impact of AI.