Earlier this year, the Government Digital Service (GDS) launched the AI Playbook for the UK government and alongside this published the AI Insights series, a collection of articles designed to help government departments and public sector organisations implement AI solutions safely, securely, and effectively.
As AI continues to play a central role in the UK Government's agenda for economic growth and improved public services, it is crucial to address both the opportunities and the practical challenges of AI implementation in government (AI Opportunities Action Plan 2025).This new series builds on the AI Playbook for the UK Government by diving deeper into the more technical aspects of a wide range of AI technologies, with a focus on practical implementation in government settings.
Who the AI Insights are for
The AI Insights series equips public servants across government with practical knowledge for effectively implementing AI in their work. Whether you're leading digital transformation, advising on technology projects, or simply interested in how AI can improve your team's operations, these resources will help you navigate this rapidly evolving field.
Each article begins with an accessible overview before exploring deeper technical concepts, making the content valuable for both specialists and non-specialists alike. While no advanced expertise is required, familiarity with basic digital and data concepts will enhance your understanding.
Our goal is to build collective capability across the public sector, ensuring everyone can contribute to responsible, effective AI adoption that improves services for citizens.
AI Insights topics
The AI Insights series delves into technical concepts that complement and extend the foundational knowledge provided in the AI Playbook. Published bi-monthly, these articles are crafted by experienced government technologists and undergo rigorous peer review by leading academic and industry experts.
Current publications explore crucial areas including:
- Generative AI capabilities and applications
- Synthetic data creation and responsible use
- Prompt engineering techniques for effective AI interaction
- Managing and mitigating prompt-related risks
Upcoming topics will feature:
- Evaluation metrics for AI system performance
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) implementation
Each article combines clear explanations of complex concepts with practical, actionable guidance specifically designed for public sector implementation. By demystifying these emerging technologies, we aim to build confidence and capability across government for responsible AI adoption.
What’s next
AI continues to evolve rapidly, and the AI Insights series will keep pace with emerging technologies and practices through bimonthly publications and six months reviews.
To stay updated, join the AI Community, attend monthly meetups, and explore the free AI e-learning courses on Civil Service Learning.
To get the most from the AI Insights series, we recommend reading them alongside the AI Playbook and GDS’ AI resources for the public sector.
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