Government signs MOU with OpenAI to Transform Public Services

The Government and OpenAI have signed a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the delivery of public services through advanced technology.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the partnership will focus on expanding AI security research collaborations and exploring substantial investment in UK AI infrastructure, including the potential development of data centres and state-of-the-art R&D facilities. The initiative aligns with the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which recently received a £2 billion backing through the Spending Review.

The agreement also outlines plans to leverage AI technology to improve taxpayer-funded public services in critical areas such as justice, defence and security, and education. OpenAI’s sophisticated large language model, GPT-4o, is already in use within UK government departments. Notably, the model underpins "Humphrey," Whitehall’s AI assistant designed to streamline Civil Service administration by automating routine tasks.

GPT 4o is also used in ‘Consult’, the bespoke tool that speeds up the policy making process by automatically sorting public responses to consultations, doing a task that takes officials weeks in minutes, while leaving important decisions to experts.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the broader significance of the partnership, stating: “AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country – whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth. That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us.”

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the potential economic benefits: “AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth. Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.”

OpenAI intends to significantly expand its London office, initially established two years ago, to further support UK-based research, development, and collaboration efforts. This expansion is expected to generate high-paid tech jobs and enhance the UK's sovereign AI capability.

The partnership also includes OpenAI's commitment to sharing technical information with the UK's AI Security Institute, thereby deepening government expertise regarding AI capabilities and associated security risks.

The initiative is a central component of the UK's broader strategy to maintain a world-leading AI ecosystem that aligns with democratic values, ensures economic growth, and enhances public sector efficiency through innovation.