Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Deferred
Government departments demonstrate diverse uses of artificial intelligence to improve services and proactively identify risks.
Recommendation
We asked about the scope for government to make greater use of artificial intelligence to improve services. The ODP told us that there were numerous examples of individual departments using artificial intelligence in different ways. It told us about a particular example in DWP, where the 39 Qq 15, 50, 58 40 C&AG’s Report, para 2.16 41 C&AG’s Report, para 2.24 42 C&AG’s Report, paras 6 and 2.18 43 C&AG’s Report, Lesson B.3; Q6 44 C&AG’s Report, Case examples B.2.3, B.5.1-B.5.2, D.1.1-D.1.2 45 Social Market Foundation (GCS0010) 13 Child Maintenance Service is using artificial intelligence to identify payment arrangements which are at most risk of breaking down, so that staff can intervene proactively to prevent it happening.46
Government Response Summary
The Profession agrees with the Committee’s recommendation to define the digital skills that ODP professionals require and include them in the new skills framework, with a target implementation date of December 2026, partnering with key stakeholders to understand emerging technologies and identifying future skills needs.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
5. PAC 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. 27 5. PAC 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. 5.1 The Profession agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2026 5.2 The Profession recognises the importance of partnering with key stakeholders, 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. 5.3 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. 5.4 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. 5.5 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.