**London**: The Department for Work and Pensions announces a new initiative to bolster AI capabilities, including the recruitment of a deputy director focused on generative AI and a multimillion-pound contract for AI project developments, emphasising responsible use and employee training.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is embarking on a significant initiative to enhance its capabilities in generative artificial intelligence, with plans to appoint a senior leader for a newly created deputy director position. This role is part of a broader strategy to foster the development and integration of AI technologies within the organisation, focusing on addressing specific business challenges yet to be identified.
In a recent commercial planning notice, the DWP indicated its intent to engage a supplier for a multimillion-pound contract aimed at supporting a range of AI projects. The upcoming procurement exercise, led by the DWP’s AI and Innovation Directorate, seeks a partner to build on existing experiments in various AI domains, including machine learning, natural language processing, and expert systems. The contract is projected to be valued at around £12 million.
The selected supplier will be expected to assist the DWP across three main workstreams: innovation and ideation, strategy and control, and delivery and scaling. Their responsibilities will encompass the implementation and support of AI systems, project evaluation throughout their lifecycle, risk management, and the development of frameworks to optimise the use of AI across the department and the wider government.
The planning notice highlighted the DWP’s commitment to rolling out AI tools to its employees only after rigorous testing to ensure these tools meet both technical and business requirements. The approach is described as “value-led, responsible, secure and firmly human-centred” and aligns with the guidelines set forth in the UK government’s AI Playbook.
In conjunction with these activities, the DWP has announced its search for a deputy director with a focus on AI delivery. The successful applicant will be tasked with establishing and leading a delivery team capable of implementing generative AI responsibly and transparently. This role entails defining the necessary digital capabilities across people, processes, and technology, as well as aligning initiatives with broader digital priorities.
The advertised position, which carries a salary of up to £94,000, is open for applications until 11.55pm on 17 March. The DWP envisions this new team as a multidisciplinary group sourced from the civil service, contractors, and the supplier market, ensuring diverse expertise in AI.
Despite this forward momentum, it is notable that last year the DWP imposed restrictions on the use of prominent AI tools like ChatGPT by its staff on government-issued devices. However, developments later in the year indicated plans to advance trials of generative AI under the guidance of senior department leaders, with the intention of carefully exploring its potential in public service.
The DWP is set to issue a formal contract notice for the AI procurement in May, marking a significant step towards its strategic goals in technological innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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