As well as using new tech in government we need a new approach to recruit and retain those with specialist skills

The Government has announced a shake-up of the way technology is used across the public sector including the development of a new AI assistant for the civil service nicknamed “Humphrey”.

They say that technology will be better used to improve public services and AI will make the civil service more efficient, under a shake up that changes how government experiments with, buys and builds new tech.

Steve Thomas, Prospect Deputy General Secretary, said:

“Investing in digital technology including AI is essential to modernise government, and this Review recognises that there should not be a trade-off between people and technology: we need both.

“The Review is clear that for years specialist skills have been undervalued in government, leading to a hollowing out of crucial know-how and over reliance on expensive private contractors.

“To change this, we need a new approach towards those with specialist, scientific and technical skills, giving them more say in decisions. Crucially, we need a pay framework that enables this.

“As the union for civil service specialists, we look forward to engaging with government on how to implement this plan.”