The UK government has announced a major partnership with Google Cloud to modernise public sector technology and boost digital skills across the civil service.
The collaboration forms a key part of the government’s wider plans to embrace AI and digital transformation, with the goal of training up to 100,000 civil servants in digital and AI skills by 2030.
A central focus of the partnership is the overhaul of outdated government IT systems, which have long caused inefficiencies and cybersecurity risks. By shifting essential services—ranging from the NHS to local councils—onto Google Cloud’s infrastructure, the government expects to improve service delivery and cut costs. Estimates suggest the move could save taxpayers up to £45 billion.
Google’s DeepMind team will work alongside government officials to deploy advanced AI technologies, signalling an ambitious drive to integrate AI into public services. The deal also includes a unified cybersecurity platform to strengthen protection against digital threats.
Alongside the technological upgrades, the partnership features a wide-ranging training programme to bolster digital skills across the civil service. Running alongside the cloud migration, Google Cloud’s training will equip civil servants with essential AI and cloud computing expertise. This supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s aim for 10% of civil servants to hold tech-related roles by 2030.
Among the schemes is a new AI Accelerator Programme, a 12-week course designed to train government data scientists as AI specialists. Participants will gain skills in machine learning and AI, enabling them to lead tech-driven projects and improve public services.
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle underlined the value of collective purchasing power in securing the deal, saying it avoids individual public bodies having to negotiate alone with large tech companies. The approach is expected to secure better prices and more favourable terms for public sector organisations and taxpayers.
Tara Brady, president of Google Cloud for the EMEA region, said the partnership would showcase the power of cloud technology and AI to transform public services. “We are proud to support the UK government’s digital ambitions,” said Brady, emphasising the importance of AI-powered solutions in creating a secure, efficient digital future for citizens.
The initiative also includes work on emerging technologies such as quantum computing, highlighting the government’s commitment to staying at the forefront of tech innovation.
Together, these efforts mark a shift away from legacy systems towards a future where government services are enhanced by advanced technologies and a digitally skilled workforce. The partnership is seen as laying the foundation for an AI-enabled, efficient and innovative public sector, positioning the UK as a leader in responsible AI deployment.
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