Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Work with Government Digital Profession to define and include essential digital skills in framework.
Conclusion
It is vital that the ODP keeps pace with advances in new technology and artificial intelligence and the implications for the changing skills its members need. The ODP has created a skills framework, which sets out the skills that staff need at different stages of their careers. However, the capabilities and expertise that its members need are changing and will require skills associated with other professions, particularly digital–for example, the capability to provide services online or via apps, and through using artificial intelligence. Automating straightforward types of demand means that staff can spend their time dealing with customers with more complex needs, or who cannot access digital services. There are examples of organisations using technology and artificial intelligence in ways that have made services easier to use and better for citizens, and that have reduced the amount of demand its staff need to service. For example, the Child Maintenance Service is using an artificial intelligence tool to identify payment arrangements which are most at risk of breaking down. If the ODP’s members have opportunities to develop the skills they need in this changing environment, then more examples of innovative and effective digital services should follow. 5 recommendation The ODP should work with the Government Digital and Data Profession to define the digital skills that ODP professionals require, and include them in the new skills framework, to support government organisations to navigate the impact of new technology and artificial intelligence and adopt it to deliver better services.
Government Response Summary
The Profession is engaging with the Government Digital and Data Profession and conducting a workforce challenges study to identify future digital and AI skills needs. It committed to regularly updating its Professional Skills Framework, learning curriculum, and senior leadership programmes to reflect these new skills and required learning.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Profession agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. including the Government Digital and Data Profession, Whitehall and Industry Group (WIG) and HoPs, to understand and impact emerging and future technologies. The Profession is also represented on the Cabinet Office led Data-Driven Innovation / Artificial Intelligence (DDI/AI) skills advisory board. A workforce challenges study is also underway to identify future skills needs in operational delivery. This research will explore the skills required as technology advances and citizen expectations shift, and how these skills can be effectively procured and delivered. The Professional Skills Framework, learning curriculum and senior leadership programmes and activity will be regularly updated to reflect new skills, opportunities and required learning. The Profession will continue to encourage HoPs to promote cross- government and AI initiatives in their departments and agencies, such as ‘One Big Thing - AI for All’, ensuring operational delivery has a voice and that information on new technology adoption is shared appropriately and sensitively. Through ongoing engagement with HoPs, the Profession will remain reactive to the balance between innovation and technological change, and foundational service delivery, as use of new technology and enhanced communication skills become key to delivery of quality services to citizens.