Public services are under immense pressure due to budget constraints, staff shortages, and growing waiting lists. Could AI be the answer? At the Google Cloud Public Sector Summit UK in London, government leaders, technology experts, and industry partners are gathering to discuss how AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics might solve significant challenges within the UK public sector. Research by Public First, commissioned by Google Cloud, suggests that AI could transform sectors such as healthcare and policing. The report, "AI and the Public Sector, " surveyed 415 UK public sector workers and indicates that automation and generative AI could greatly enhance public sector productivity, potentially saving up to £38 billion annually by 2030. Key findings include: 1. **Boosting productivity**: AI could automate up to a third of daily tasks like records management and data processing, allowing employees to focus on higher-value work. 2. **Improving service quality**: By streamlining tasks and enhancing efficiency, AI could result in better and faster public service delivery. Public sector workers view efficiency and task automation as the main benefits of AI. 3. **Transforming key services**: AI could significantly impact essential services like policing and healthcare. For example, AI adoption could free up over 160, 000 police officers and enable 3. 7 million more GP appointments weekly, alleviating capacity constraints. The research reveals that while many public administration workers recognize AI's potential, they are in early stages of adoption. Two-thirds of managers believe AI will fundamentally change public sector operations, yet only 12% have heavily implemented AI tools. Despite openness to AI, concerns about data security and legal issues persist as major obstacles.

The report underscores the importance of addressing these concerns and providing the necessary skills to utilize AI effectively. Building trust and transparency in AI deployment is crucial for its successful adoption in the UK public sector. The report calls for collaboration among the government, public sector organizations, and tech companies to focus on: 1. **Upskilling the workforce**: Only about 34% of public administration managers feel confident in their workforce's AI skills. Employees need the skills and knowledge to use AI tools effectively. 2. **Addressing data concerns**: 55% of managers agree they need better datasets for AI benefits. Robust data security and clear legal guidelines are essential to build trust and ensure responsible AI use. 3. **Maintaining transparency**: 60% of managers cite legal or regulatory barriers as reasons for caution in AI use. Open communication about AI's role is vital for public trust and understanding.