The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) has urged civil servants to strengthen their understanding of AI through a series of courses and the cross-government AI Community.
It has highlighted the launch of over 70 AI e-learning courses on the Civil Service Learning platform over recent months, building on the Generative AI Framework for HM Government published earlier in the year.
The courses are for all civil servants who are new to AI or are interested in learning more about this technology and its business or ethical implications. They cover areas such as the fundamentals of AI, the business value, tools and applications, and working with large language models.
The AI Community meets monthly and helps civil servants share best practices and information about what departments are doing in the field of AI.
Crucial training
CDDO said: “As AI transforms how government operates, comprehensive AI training for civil servants has become crucial. This training ensures that public servants can harness AI's potential for improved efficiency and enhanced public service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and responsibility.
“With generative AI offering new capabilities in text and image creation, civil servants must understand how to use these tools effectively while adhering to government frameworks, mitigating biases, and ensuring accuracy and inclusivity.
“This training will help build confidence in using emerging technologies appropriately, safeguarding public trust, and enabling civil servants to make informed decisions about AI implementation that align with Civil Service values and data protection requirements.”
