Government
Essential digital capability helps government design and deliver better public services, improve productivity across the public sector, and equip its workforce for rapid technological change.
As digital and AI play a bigger role in both policy and frontline services, building essential digital skills is key to better outcomes for citizens and a future-ready civil service and public sector workforce.
With leadership from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office Government Skills Unit, our Government sector team is delivering an action plan to make the workforce digital skills gap a recognised priority across government and to build active commitment through employer leadership and Charter participation.
Our Government sector team is building targeted engagement to reflect this diversity and support digital capability across the system, including:
- Central government departments
- Arm’s‑length bodies and agencies
- Public service delivery functions
- The future public sector workforce
Our Government team
Alongside mobilising engagement across government, our partners are demonstrating what good looks like through employer‑led action within their own organisations, helping to embed essential digital capability across roles, professions and departments.
Co‑leads
Government sector signatories of the Workforce Digital Skills Charter
2026 action plan priorities
In 2026, the Government sector team will focus on positioning essential digital and AI skills as a baseline capability for all public servants. Priorities include confirming the role of the AI‑embedded Essential Digital Skills Framework for non‑digital roles and aligning digital capability with core government priorities such as productivity, service delivery and responsible AI adoption.
The team will also work to clarify key stakeholders, convert interest into commitment through Charter participation, and lead by example by demonstrating progress within departments and sharing learning across government.
For more information on the 2026 goals of the Government sector team and progress made so far, download the Essential Digital Skills Government Sector Action Plan.
