FOI reference: FOI-2025-2567
You asked
We are writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 about the UK public sector's readiness to harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in light of the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan.
We are particularly interested in exploring:
- AI Strategies and Implementation: The existence and implementation of AI strategies aligned with the national action plan.
- Data and Infrastructure: The availability of robust data and infrastructure to support AI initiatives, including considerations around data residency, sovereignty, and security.
- Risk Management and Ethics: Measures in place to mitigate risks associated with AI, including bias, data protection, and transparency.
- Skills and Training: Efforts to upskill the public sector workforce to effectively utilise AI technologies.
We said
Thank you for your request.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategies and Implementation - We are actively pursuing AI technologies in several areas, where appropriate working with technology leaders to ensure we remain at the forefront of the technology. Colleagues have had input into the recently published Government AI Playbook and are committed to supporting the goals outlined in the national action plan.
Data and infrastructure - We are committed to developing and growing our knowledge and understanding of AI tools in a safe and controlled manner. We have established an AI Leadership Group to enable the rapid prototyping of AI and AI related proof of concepts. We have developed an AI sandbox providing a safe space to test, evaluate and succeed or fail safely. Security of services and the availability and security of data is tightly integrated and governed as per our organisational policies ensuring the appropriate controls and monitoring is in place according to the relevant service classification, legislation and guidance.
Risk management and Ethics - Security is a priority when exploring AI tools, with governance being a key focus. We have established AI principles, and have created two new policies, including an overarching UK Statistics Authority AI Policy and an AI Security Policy. We have established an AI Leadership Group to co-ordinate and govern all AI work with strong representation from across the business, including Ethics, Data Protection, and Legal services. All Generative AI tools and related Generative AI enabled services are registered on an internal AI register. In the interest of the wider government community, knowledge and lessons learnt are shared ensuring all can take advantage of our investment. Risks are recorded and actively managed according to the UK Statistics Authority Risk and Assurance Framework.
Skills and Training - We recognise the importance of ensuring we have the appropriate skills to support the safe use of AI technologies. We work with a range of internal and external stakeholders to capture and disseminate knowledge both internally and externally via a range of means. We have constructed an AI learning pathway with the aim of elevating the AI literacy of all colleagues, supplemented with AI tool or feature specific training where required. This is being supported by the development of persona-specific training to ensure colleagues have the future skills they need and to enable us to grow our own thought leaders. In addition, we provide AI tool or project specific advice and guidance via a range of delivery methods supporting the appropriate and safe use of AI technologies.