AI in UK government departments

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of technology that performs cognitive functions typically associated with humans, including reasoning, learning and problem-solving.

Further information on how AI has been applied in a variety of policy areas can be found on the House of Commons Library topic page on AI. Three useful general introductions to AI are:

• Artificial intelligence: An explainer (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology – POST)
• Artificial intelligence a reading list (House of Commons Library)
• Artificial intelligence glossary (POST)

The UK government’s approach to AI

The UK government has adopted a “test and learn” approach to implementing AI across departments, using small-budget experiments to build on successful proofs of concept.

The Artificial Intelligence Playbook for HM Government sets out how government departments and public sector organisations can “harness the power of a wider range of AI technologies safely, effectively, and responsibly.”

This briefing paper provides an overview of the types of AI applications that are being used or experimented with in central government departments. It is not a comprehensive list.

Another overview can be found in the answers to a series of parliamentary questions asked in 2025 by Sir John Hayes MP to all central government departments and a wide range of arm’s length bodies about how ministers and officials have used AI.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) coordinates cross-government AI projects. The Incubator for AI (i.AI) has developed tools such as Redbox for document summarisation, Consult for analysing consultation responses, and Minute for meeting transcription.

Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence applies AI in various contexts, including object detection from satellite imagery, spare parts failure prediction based on historical equipment failure reports, and autonomous mine hunting for remote detection and neutralisation of threats.

Department for Education

The Department for Education is experimenting with an AI tool to assist teachers by pooling government documents such as curriculum guidance and lesson plans. OFSTED has tested AI tools to predict which schools might decline in performance, while the department maintains an “AI sandbox” for civil servants to build and test AI models securely.

Department of Health and Social Care

The Department of Health and Social Care has established the NHS AI Lab, which brings together various stakeholders to develop healthcare applications. AI is being used to interpret stroke brain scans and chest x-rays, and there are ongoing experiments to transcribe and analyse patient notes in GP surgeries.

HM Revenue and Customs

HM Revenue and Customs employs AI for compliance purposes, using predictive analytics to identify potentially non-compliant taxpayers and document analysis to detect fraud. For customer service, HMRC uses machine learning to understand and categorise customer contact data for identifying sentiment and satisfaction rates.

Home Office

The Home Office utilises AI for streaming passport application services and in the Child Abuse Image Database Classifier, which helps police officers grade child sexual abuse material more efficiently while reducing their exposure to harmful content.

Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice has established the Justice AI Unit to develop strategies for addressing critical challenges in the justice system. Projects include a “parental arrangements planner” to assist separating parents and save court time, and a collaboration with the Turing Institute to help police interpret narrative accounts of incidents.

Department for Transport

The Department for Transport has developed bespoke AI tools, including automated drafting of correspondence, and HGV detection through aerial imagery analysis.

Department for Work and Pensions

The Department for Work and Pensions has experimented with White Mail, a correspondence reviewing tool that identifies people in vulnerable situations and prioritises them for assistance. The department’s Lighthouse AI Programme includes trials of AI-enabled projects to complement services provided by work coaches in job centres.