The government has launched a new scheme to upskill data scientists into AI specialists, aiming to use technology to improve public services, save taxpayer money, and drive growth as part of its Plan for Change.
The AI Accelerator Programme, starting today, will train 25 Machine Learning Engineers over 12 weeks through hackathons, where coders will tackle live government challenges.
Technical experts from justice, health, and transport authorities will participate in the programme before returning to their departments with new skills to build AI tools. These tools aim to reduce backlogs, save money, and streamline processes for officials and the public.
Feryal Clark, Minister for AI and Digital Government, commented:
“We have started to build generative AI chatbots to change how people interact with the state, AI helpers to put an end to the mindless hours we spend on hold waiting for someone to pick up the phone, and tools to help get the views of citizens on policy proposals much more quickly – but AI can help with so much more.
“There is no reason people shouldn’t expect the same experience from public services, as they get from the most innovative businesses. By building AI skills across government, we’ll be able to deliver just that – all while finding efficiencies and transforming services to deliver our Plan for Change.”
This initiative follows the Prime Minister's announcement to double the number of digital experts in government departments, seeking to transform public services and achieve £45 billion in productivity savings from AI and digital technology.
Participants from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Welsh Government, Scottish Government, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), DVLA, and more will join the programme. A major component will focus on the ethics of AI, exploring frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI technologies in public services, addressing issues like transparency, accountability, and bias.
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