UK government introduces AI training courses for civil servants to boost public sector efficiency

The UK Government has launched nine new artificial intelligence (AI) training courses for Civil Servants, aimed at enhancing digital skills and improving efficiency across the public sector.

Led by the Cabinet Office and Government Skills, the courses are designed to prepare civil servants for the growing impact of AI in government operations.

The training covers key areas including AI ethics, generative AI tools, large language models, machine learning, and natural language processing, equipping staff with the skills needed to effectively use AI technologies within government departments. One of the practical applications highlighted is the use of Redbox Copilot, an AI-powered chatbot that assists civil servants by summarising the contents of letters, briefings, and speech transcripts, helping them manage their daily tasks more efficiently.

Michael Thornton, Senior Director of Public Sector at Investigo, praised 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 also emphasised the importance of bridging skills gaps, noting that the public sector should adopt a strategic approach to managing interim and consultancy staff to support AI integration. “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The new AI courses replace seven outdated modules in the Government’s Generative AI suite and offer a mix of video, interactive, and written content to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Tristan Wilkinson, Chief for Public Sector at AND Digital, underscored the significance of including 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 the importance of a robust focus on data within the AI training, 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 nine courses available to Civil Servants 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
– AI: Technical Curriculum

These courses aim to not only boost the AI literacy of Civil Servants but also support the UK Government’s broader strategy of enhancing public sector productivity and delivering improved services to the public through the strategic use of artificial intelligence.

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UK government introduces AI training courses for civil servants to boost public sector efficiency