The government has announced a new programme to upskill data scientists across the public sector into AI specialists through a new scheme as the government looks at how AI can improve public services.

Over 12 weeks the first AI Accelerator Programme will train up 25 Machine Learning Engineers through hackathons, where coders will help tackle live government challenges. Technical experts from departments like justice, health, and transport will join the programme before returning to usual work with new skills to build AI tools that can help reduce backlogs, save money, and benefit the public.

This follows the prime minister’s news to double the number of digital experts in government departments, as the government aims to transform public services and find £45 billion in productivity savings from AI and technology.

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 proposals much more quickly — but AI can help with so much more.

“There is no reason people shouldn’t expect the same experience from public service, as they get from the most innovative businesses. By building AI skills across government, we’ll be able to deliver just that — all while finding efficiencies and transforming services to deliver our Plan for Change.”

Participants from the Ministry of Justice, Welsh government, Scottish government, UK Heath Security Agency, and more will join the programme, which is being delivered by Decoded, a training company that specialises in building AI skills.