A Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector
United Kingdom · Guideline · Government Digital Service and Office for Artificial Intelligence
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Our summary
Joint guidance from the UK government on how public sector organizations can build and deploy artificial intelligence systems. It covers assessing whether AI meets user needs, implementing AI ethically and safely, and includes examples of government AI applications. The guidance was developed in partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and draws on best practices from commercial and public sectors.
Written by the Index in our own words. It is not legal advice; the official text is the authority.
Inside this policy
Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.
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6 sections
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Updates to this page
This section records publication and update history for the guidance, originally published on 10 June 2019 and last updated on 18 October 2019. It announces that GDS and OAI have jointly issued guidance on building and deploying AI in the public sector, covering assessment of AI's suitability, best practices for implementation, and ethical and safe deployment. The section provides contact details for public sector organisations seeking advice on AI use.
Ministerial Foreword
3 sections
This introductory section emphasises AI's economic potential and strategic importance to the UK, noting that the technology could increase productivity and GDP substantially by 2030. It sets out the benefits of AI adoption in government, including improved citizen experience, efficiency gains for public sector workers, and broader economic advantages.
Assess, plan and manage artificial intelligence
This chapter covers foundational resources for public sector organisations implementing AI systems, including guidance on understanding AI concepts, evaluating whether AI is suitable for specific needs, preparing for implementation, and overseeing AI projects throughout their lifecycle.
Using artificial intelligence ethically and safely
This chapter presents guidance developed jointly with The Alan Turing Institute on applying ethical principles and safety practices when deploying AI systems in government.
Examples of artificial intelligence use
This section collects case studies demonstrating practical applications of AI across government agencies and private organisations, covering uses such as satellite image analysis, machine learning for accessibility, transport optimisation, and natural language processing for document analysis and administrative functions.
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Controls
What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.
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Risk and scope 0 of 4
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Data and privacy 0 of 4
- Data governance and quality, not covered
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Transparency and records 0 of 4
- Transparency and disclosure to users, not covered
- Labelling of synthetic content, not covered
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Technical safeguards 0 of 4
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Assurance and lifecycle 0 of 4
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- Post-market monitoring and corrective action, not covered
Rights and protected groups 0 of 4
- Automated decision-making rights, not covered
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Roles and organisation 0 of 6
- Supply chain and provider-deployer duties, not covered
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- Training and AI literacy, not covered
- Public sector use and procurement, not covered
- Innovation support and sandboxes, not covered
Enforcement and sectors 0 of 5
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Change history
No changes recorded since we began monitoring this policy.