AI Integration and Digital Modernization in Welsh Government Services
The Welsh Government has announced a significant move towards enhancing its digital and AI capabilities, aiming to bring greater focus and integration to its work. This integration will see the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) merge into the Welsh Government by April 2026, aligning it with the Welsh Government's Office for Artificial Intelligence.
This strategic move is designed to strengthen digital and AI capabilities, reduce duplication, and integrate policy and delivery. The collaboration will involve the Welsh Government, the Strategic AI Advisory Group, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Welsh credit unions with tech partners, and public sector workers trained in AI skills.
To support the responsible implementation of AI across Welsh public services, the Welsh Government has allocated funding for a series of AI initiatives. These projects include developing an understanding of AI activities, evaluating AI scribe tools, testing AI platforms, creating a chatbot assistant, delivering AI training, and collaborating with the UK Government on AI tools.
The funding also supports the Welsh Government's work on the concept of a minimum digital living standard (MDLS). The MDLS is a benchmark for what people need to be digitally included, covering access to devices and connectivity as well as basic digital skills. A baseline survey will be commissioned to provide a national estimate for how many people aged 16 and over living in Wales are below the MDLS.
The Strategic AI Advisory Group, established to provide expert advice on AI adoption in Welsh public services, will meet for the second time this month to discuss AI skills and priorities for Wales. The group's advice is expected to guide the successful implementation of AI initiatives across public services.
The Welsh Government has also received more than £440k of funding from the UK Government's Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund for the current financial year. This funding will accelerate the delivery of the projects and establish a robust foundation for future AI activity.
In addition, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has confirmed a further £26 million investment over the next five years in the Administrative Data Research Wales Partnership. This investment will support research and innovation in AI and data-driven technologies.
Moreover, a Welsh credit union will participate in a collaborative AI project to streamline core office functions and back-office automation. The learnings from this project will be shared among the three organisations, other credit unions in Wales, and the Welsh Government.
The integration of the functions of the CDPS into the Welsh Government is planned to be achieved by April next year. This consolidation of resources is expected to streamline and strengthen the Welsh Government's digital and AI capabilities, enabling it to deliver improved public services more effectively.
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