How AI assurance could transform government operations

The government is leading the charge in ensuring the trustworthiness of AI, with initiatives designed to unlock £6.5 billion in economic value by 2035, as it seeks to harness emerging technologies while safeguarding public trust.

AI assurance involves verifying that AI systems are fair, transparent, and reliable, ensuring they work as intended. This is particularly critical for government departments, where public trust is paramount, and the impact of AI can extend to citizen services, policy design, and operational efficiency.

Currently, more than 500 firms in the UK provide AI assurance services, offering the tools and expertise needed to:

• Embed AI safely into legacy systems.
• Detect and address potential risks, such as bias or data privacy breaches.
• Boost confidence in AI-led initiatives, both internally and among citizens.

For DDaT leaders, leveraging these capabilities can help accelerate digital transformation and improve outcomes across public services.

New tools for government teams

The government is launching an AI assurance platform, providing a single hub for guidance and resources tailored to organisations adopting AI. Key features include:

• Impact Assessment Guidance: Step-by-step instructions on evaluating AI systems for fairness and transparency.
• Self-Assessment Tools: Tailored for smaller teams or departments to implement responsible AI practices without extensive technical expertise.
• Roadmap for Standards: Clear pathways to navigate international and industry-specific AI assurance standards.

This platform offers practical tools for government DDaT teams to manage AI risks proactively while fostering innovation.

“AI has incredible potential to improve public services and boost productivity, but to fully realise these benefits, we need to ensure these systems are trusted," said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology. "These new tools will empower government teams to deploy AI responsibly and drive transformation in public services.”

The safe development of AI is also central to the UK’s global AI leadership, with the AI Safety Institute (AISI) driving efforts to align international standards. Recent initiatives include:

• The Systemic AI Safety Grants Programme, which supports innovative research into safe AI adoption.
• Participation in the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, promoting shared practices and benchmarks across jurisdictions.

These efforts are directly relevant to DDaT executives in government, offering pathways to incorporate best practices into their AI strategies while aligning with international norms.

Ian Hogarth, Chair of the AI Safety Institute, highlighted the role of collaboration: “Global cooperation is vital for effective AI safety. By aligning standards and fostering partnerships, we can ensure that governments everywhere benefit from the safe development and deployment of AI.”

For government leaders, these developments underscore the importance of preparing teams and systems for the integration of AI. The new assurance tools and standards:

• Provide a framework for evaluating and adopting AI responsibly.
• Help address the unique challenges of embedding AI into public services.
• Support DDaT teams in upskilling staff and building organisational confidence in AI solutions.

As AI increasingly shapes the future of public service delivery, trust in these systems will be a cornerstone of their success. For DDaT leaders, now is the time to take advantage of these resources, ensure responsible AI deployment, and position their organisations as leaders in government transformation.