We challenged DSIT and the Cabinet Office on the scale of the challenge and whether the public sector would be able to grasp the opportunities offered by AI. DSIT told us that it had to be self–critical about digital leadership across government, observing that digital leaders are not well represented at executive level across the public sector and many public sector leaders do not have enough technical expertise or training.70 As part of its blueprint for modern digital government, it will r...

We challenged DSIT and the Cabinet Office on the scale of the challenge and whether the public sector would be able to grasp the opportunities offered by AI. DSIT told us that it had to be self–critical about digital leadership across government, observing that digital leaders are not well represented at executive level across the public sector and many public sector leaders do not have enough technical expertise or training.70 As part of its blueprint for modern digital government, it will require all executive teams and boards of public sector bodies to include a digital leader by 2026.71 Later this year, DSIT also intends to publish a new Type: conclusion | Number: 27 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2026 3.2 DSIT acknowledges the ongoing digital skills gaps across the public sector and is taking active steps to implement reforms that address this challenge. 3.3 To str