New records show the role AI and algorithm tools play in the Government and how they contribute to change and transform public services
Artificial intelligence can offer support within the public sector by supporting citizens and allowing accurate decision-making.
The UK government has shown its aim to boost transparency and use the power of artificial intelligence to support public services by releasing the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS); the Government shows how algorithmic tools are being utilised across Whitehall to provide quicker, more efficient services to the public and businesses.
Time to transform public services: The “Plan for change”
The UK Government is aligning the ATRS with their broader “Plan for change”, which focuses on modernising public services, supporting economic growth, and tackling backlogs in essential sectors.
The ATRS records offer a detailed look into how different departments use AI to support citizens and businesses.
Using AI to improve services
A strong example from the ATRS is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which uses AI to help British citizens in distress abroad.
This tool speeds up the process of providing quick information and support to those who need it, further showing how AI can be used to improve responsiveness and service delivery in important situations.
Another example is the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice has applied algorithmic tools to study how individuals interact with the justice system. This allows for better insights into potential improvements, whether this would be decision-making processes or understanding systemic issues.
By using AI, the department can now analyse more data more quickly, reducing delays in justice-related processes and improving individual outcomes.
The Department for Businesses and Trade have also embraced AI to support economic growth directly.
They have been using an algorithmic tool to predict which companies will most likely succeed in exporting goods. By analysing data from Companies House, officials can target high-potential businesses and provide them with tailored support, allowing better access to international markets. Before the introduction of AI, this process was slower and less efficient; it relied on manual methods to sort through data on over 5 million businesses. By using algorithmic tools, the new system can provide quicker and more informed decision-making, an essential part of accelerating growth and supporting the UK economy.
These are not the only successful examples, the ATRS also showed how AI is being used across other areas of public service. This includes improving job advertisements and tackling backlogs in key services.
For example, AI tools are being used to create more effective job listings, match job seekers with the right opportunities and improve recruitment processes in various government departments. This shows how AI can streamline operations and enhance efficiency across a wide range of public service areas.
AI’s importance in the Government
By publishing these records, the governmentGovernment is pushing its wider goal to improve transparency in how the Government uses AI.
By outlining the roles of AI tools and how they are used, the Government is making sure that citizens can trust the algorithms.
These records will also show how risks are managed and reassure that human over sign still plays a role even when AI tools are involved.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised that the Government is committed to using AI to transform public services, cutting service backlogs, saving money, and improving citizen outcomes.
“Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective. That is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialing technology,” Peter Kyle said.
Using technology responsibly
The Government is also focused on ensuring that technology is used responsibly by monitoring and evaluating AI’s impact. This aligns with the governments efforts of modernising the public sector and making.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds pointed out that AI helps the Government to target the right companies for export support, maximising the potential for economic growth.
“Our Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed we need to support companies across the UK to realise their full potential when it comes to exporting around the globe.”
One of the key elements of this initiative is the commitment to economic growth, particularly through AI to support businesses.
