Minister Unveils New National School of Government Campus to Enhance Public Service Training

The newly established National School of Government is set to launch a comprehensive array of training programmes from its very first day, including a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) training for all civil servants. Situated at its inaugural residential campus just outside York, this institution aims to equip the civil service with the essential knowledge and skills needed to fulfil the government’s key priorities.

The initiative is part of a broader ambition to cultivate a world-class civil service, ensuring that staff possess the necessary expertise to effectively advance government objectives and serve citizens across the United Kingdom.

Launching the National School of Government

Cabinet Office Minister Mark Ferguson has officially inaugurated the National School of Government and Public Services, which will serve as a hub for training civil servants and leaders within the public sector. To enhance accessibility, regional hubs are set to be developed nationwide, with the first being inaugurated in York this week. In addition, digital access routes will offer civil servants modern learning facilities conveniently located near their residences and workplaces.

The school is committed to providing civil servants and public sector leaders with the world-class learning and development opportunities required to tackle the challenges of the future. Its curriculum will focus on essential skills, incorporating training on devolution, national security, leadership, and innovation. Notably, the provision of AI training will encompass a wide range of competencies, from practical frontline applications that alleviate clerical burdens to advanced cloud engineering courses designed to foster the deployment of cutting-edge technology throughout government.

Empowering Civil Servants with AI Training

This training initiative is designed to enable civil servants to enhance their use of AI, thereby fostering a more productive public sector. Recent successes, such as an Accident and Emergency (A&E) demand forecasting tool now utilised by 50 NHS organisations, exemplify the potential for AI to transform operations. This tool allows hospitals to anticipate peak periods in emergency departments, leading to more effective staffing plans. Additionally, AI tutoring tools are being rolled out in schools, aimed at significantly reducing the attainment gap for disadvantaged students.

Minister Mark Ferguson highlighted the significance of the school’s opening, stating that it presents a unique opportunity to upskill civil servants in critical areas, with AI being a top priority. From its inception, the National School will offer foundational learning centred around Universal Skills essential for every civil servant, including digital literacy, AI applications, leadership, and management.

Investing in Civil Service Development

This initiative forms part of a concerted effort to enhance productivity within the public sector and expedite the transition towards digitally-enabled services that modern citizens expect. The creation of the National School serves as a powerful affirmation of the Civil Service’s commitment to its workforce, reflecting an investment in their personal and professional development to tackle future challenges in their local communities.

Moreover, the decision to bring training in-house is anticipated to lead to reduced expenditures on external training over time, particularly as the school becomes fully operational. This move aligns with ongoing plans to halve government spending on external consultants and decrease departmental administration costs by 16% over the next five years, aiming to generate savings exceeding £2 billion annually for taxpayers by 2030.

Additionally, the National School of Government has collaborated with the annual ‘One Big Thing’ learning initiative, which this year centres on the theme of ‘AI in Action’.