The Government has unveiled a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Playbook, designed to provide government departments with a structured approach to adopting AI responsibly and effectively.
Developed by the Government Digital Service (GDS), the Playbook builds upon previous AI frameworks and expands guidance on how public sector organisations can harness AI’s potential while ensuring security, ethics, and transparency.
The document provides in-depth guidance on various AI fields, including machine learning, deep learning, speech recognition, computer vision, and generative AI. It also explores key challenges such as bias, data quality, and transparency. Recognising the risks associated with AI, the Playbook includes specific sections on AI safety, security, and ethics, addressing concerns about bias, accountability, and human oversight.
To illustrate AI’s impact, the Playbook highlights real-world use cases within government. These include:
GOV.UK Chat – experimenting with generative AI to enhance user support.
CCS Commercial Agreement Recommendation System – streamlining procurement processes.
Digital Sensitivity Review at FCDO Services – using AI for document classification.
NHS User Research Finder – leveraging AI to improve access to healthcare data.
The Playbook also advises on buying AI solutions, providing procurement guidance to ensure public sector organisations select the right AI tools and vendors responsibly.
The framework underscores the need for legal compliance, particularly regarding data protection, intellectual property, equality, and human rights. It highlights the role of AI governance boards and ethics committees in ensuring AI applications remain accountable and aligned with government policies.
The AI Playbook is part of a broader government strategy to maximise AI’s potential while ensuring its safe deployment. It follows recent policy initiatives such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan (2025) and the National AI Strategy (2021), reinforcing the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in responsible AI adoption.
Feryal Clark MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government, described the Playbook as a "launchpad" for government innovation, stating: "The potential of AI to transform public services is enormous, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to do things differently and deliver more with less."
She emphasised that ongoing collaboration with industry, academia, and civil society would be key to refining AI adoption across government.
As AI continues to evolve, the Playbook will be regularly updated to reflect emerging trends and best practices. The government’s approach remains focused on balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that AI serves the public good while maintaining trust and security.