As we mark AI Appreciation Day on 16 July 2025, we’re celebrating the civil servants across government who are building the skills to harness AI for public good. And there’s no better example of this progress than the AI Accelerator Programme - a major initiative led by the Government Digital Service to upskill government data scientists and build a digitally confident Civil Service.
Why AI skills matter in government
AI is no longer an emerging technology - it's essential to delivering modern, effective government services. As public expectations rise and data volumes grow, our ability to deploy AI responsibly and efficiently will define our success in the coming decade, empowering us to deliver more effective and efficient services to the public we serve.
The blueprint for modern digital government outlines our vision to create "easier lives" through transparent, next-generation public services that do the hard work for the public; drive "higher productivity and efficiency" by saving public money and enabling front-line workers to focus on delivery; and establish "smarter organisations" that embed the right ways of working. One of the six key priorities identified in the blueprint is to "harness the power of AI for the public good" by growing AI capacity and capability across government, and building trust, responsibility and accountability into everything we do.
Building an AI talent pipeline for existing civil servants ensures that data professionals can work on AI tools. The AI Accelerator Programme equips government data scientists with essential machine learning skills, enabling more efficient decision-making, resource optimisation and ethical AI deployment across departments - ultimately enhancing public service delivery while building crucial AI expertise in key areas of government.
Why is AI Accelerator important?
AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:
“We have started to build generative AI chatbots to change how people interact with the state, AI helpers to put an end to the mindless hours we spend on hold waiting for someone to pick up the phone, and tools to help get the views of citizens on policy proposal much more quickly - but AI can help with so much more.”
What has been achieved so far?
The AI Accelerator Programme, launched in March 2025, is already making a significant impact and has seen 24 data scientists across a wide section of government departments and devolved administrations successfully complete this programme. This intensive 12-week learning journey is empowering data scientists with vital AI and machine learning skills. This initiative is crucial for building a robust pipeline of machine learning engineers and aligns with the blueprint's long-term ambitions for enhanced digital skills and responsible AI deployment across government.
Aimed at: Existing civil servants - Senior Executive Officer/Grade 7 data scientists and principal data scientists, as outlined in the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework. Or any other roles that align with these with similar skills and experience.
Pre-programme self-assessments: Potential participants will complete a self-assessment before starting to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Duration: 12-week programme with 24 days of learning, two days per week.
Blended learning: One-third of the Programme is dedicated to hackathons and real-world projects. Participants are challenged to build end-to-end AI applications using industry standard tools such as Docker for deployment, Pytorch and scikit-learn for module development and flask for creating web-based interfaces.
One participant used the tools to develop a solar output predictor prototype. An AI powered application designed to forecast temperature, cloud cover and sunlight hours. This kind of project demonstrates how the skills gained through the Programme can be applied to real-world challenges, showcasing the broad potential for AI solutions across government services and departments.
Virtual workshops: Led by industry experts and fellow data scientists, allowing for practical and collaborative application of skills.
Curriculum example: Responsible AI, generative AI architectures, data quality, cloud AI services and APIs.
Here's what participants are saying about their experience:
The AI Accelerator Programme is transforming how government professionals approach artificial intelligence - building confidence, technical skills, and practical application capabilities. Here's what participants are saying about their experience:
“I think it’s amazing that I can already confidently and entirely build an AI app. Every single topic so far has been truly enjoyable and very useful. I keep finding applications of the material to my work and can’t wait to try them out…. The course is taught by excellent, very knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond.”
– Michaela, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“Learning a lot from the AI Accelerator course, sessions are engaging and the balance of theory and hand-on coding makes it easier to grasp new concepts.”
– Aurelia, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
These reflections highlight the Programme's impact not just in building technical capability, but in inspiring confidence and curiosity across our government landscape.
What’s next for AI Accelerator
Looking ahead, the AI Accelerator Programme is set to build on its initial success. Planning is underway for a second cohort, due to start on 18 September 2025, with bids now open until 25 July. Our vision extends to creating a comprehensive talent pipeline, supporting individuals from entry-level data roles through to becoming skilled machine learning engineers. We are further exploring the possibility of developing department-specific cohorts to cater to unique needs. Ultimately, our long-term ambition is to replicate this effective model across various digital roles within government, fostering a digitally skilled and future-ready Civil Service.
Get in touch
If you are interested in finding out more about the AI Accelerator, please get in touch by emailing ai-accelerator@dsit.gov.uk
If you are interested or know anyone who might be interested in applying for the next cohort please register your interest by scanning the QR code below or follow the link.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next AI Accelerator cohort starting 18 September. Apply by 25 July and help shape the future of digital government.
If you would like to find out more about AI in government, Government Digital Service also facilitates an AI community of practice where professionals across departments can connect and develop their expertise:
AI community of practice
The cross-government AI community meets monthly. It provides a place for people interested in AI to share their experiences, and learn from speakers both inside and outside government on topics including AI ethics, security and emerging uses of AI technologies.
Another useful contact for AI is the Productive & Agile State team, who in three words describe themselves as Productive, Responsive and Purposeful.
Team overview
We're transforming the Civil Service to be more productive and responsive, cutting bureaucracy and harnessing technology so we can focus on what matters most. This means better services for the public, rewarding careers for civil servants, and a government that delivers greater value for taxpayers across the UK.
Our story
We are embarking on an important transformation of how the state works, focusing on making the Civil Service more productive, agile and efficient in serving the British public.
Against a challenging global economic backdrop, these reforms represent a fundamental reimagining of how government operates in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on outcomes we're creating a more capable, skilled Civil Service that delivers better value for taxpayers while empowering civil servants to work smarter, reduce bureaucracy, and focus on what matters most – delivering excellent public services.
We recognise this transformation will be challenging and requires us to work differently together. This journey isn’t one that any single person can navigate alone - it calls for our collective commitment and shared responsibility. Together we have a meaningful opportunity to implement change that will strengthen the Civil Service for the long-term and enhance how we deliver for ministers and the public.
Our ask of you:
Take Part in One Big Thing 2025
Be part of our annual all Civil Service learning initiative and build the AI skills that will save you time, transform our public services and deliver better value for the country.
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