19
Accepted in Part
Undertake AI capability assessment for civil service and publish detailed public sector action plan.
Recommendation
i.AI should undertake an assessment of the existing civil service workforce’s AI capability, identify areas of the public sector that would benefit the most from the use of AI and where value for money can be delivered, set out how potential risks associated with its use should be mitigated, and publish a detailed AI public sector action plan. Progress against these should be reported to Parliament on an annual basis and through regular written or oral statements by Ministers.
Government Response Summary
The government describes ongoing work and existing frameworks that partially address the recommendation, including a Generative AI Framework for risk mitigation and new AI courses for civil service capability. It refers to an upcoming 'AI Opportunities Action Plan' that will detail public sector AI adoption but does not explicitly commit to publishing a detailed AI public sector action plan or annual reporting to Parliament.
Paragraph Reference
76
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Public sector adoption is a key part of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan will detail how we can reimagine our public services by ensuring the public sector takes advantage of the best emerging use-cases and tools. Further updates on this will be shared. In regard to ensuring the public sector benefits from the use of AI, the technology has significant potential to improve public services. AI will continue to form part of the Government’s approach to digital service delivery, including through the new Digital Centre of Government housed within the DSIT. Government is shaping the new ‘digital centre’, which will expand the work of the Incubator for AI (i.AI) to harness the power of AI for the public good. The team sources ideas for product development from ministerial priorities, departmental suggestions, external engagement, and internal ideation. Before proceeding, these ideas are prioritised by assessing and balancing deliverability, value for money and potential impact. The Government is committed to driving safe adoption of AI in the public sector. The Generative AI Framework was published in January 2024 to provide practical considerations for anyone planning or developing a generative AI solution. The Government is working on an update to support decision makers in Government and the wider public sector with relevant independent guidance. The updated AI Framework provides decision makers in Government and the wider public sector with the latest guidance on using AI safely and securely. In regard to the Civil Service workforce AI capabilities, in August 2024, we published nine courses to Civil Service Learning covering a range of AI topics from introductory to advanced levels supplied by industry leaders, which will support all civil servants to learn about this important topic. This is an ongoing work stream. The Government will continue to assess the civil service workforce AI capabilities to build upon this.
Source
Report
Third Report - Governance of artificial intelligence (AI)
28 May 2024
HC 38
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.0 yrs
Report published
28 May 2024