UK Government Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionize Public Sector Tech

The UK government has entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to modernize public sector technology and enhance the digital skills of civil servants. Announced on July 9, 2025, this collaboration aims to replace outdated IT systems and train up to 100,000 civil servants in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) competencies by 2030.

A significant portion of the UK's public sector infrastructure relies on legacy technology. Approximately 28% of central government IT systems are considered outdated, with some police forces and NHS trusts depending on infrastructure contracted decades ago. This reliance leads to operational inefficiencies and heightened cybersecurity vulnerabilities. source

The partnership between the UK government and Google Cloud encompasses several key initiatives:

• Modernization of IT Systems: Google Cloud will assist in migrating public sector services from legacy technology to modern, secure cloud solutions, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce cyber threats. source

• Upskilling Civil Servants: A significant component of the collaboration is the training of up to 100,000 civil servants in digital and AI skills by 2030. This effort aligns with the government's objective to have one in ten officials proficient in technology roles, thereby accelerating the delivery of the Plan for Change. source

• Collaboration with Google DeepMind: Google DeepMind will work alongside government technical experts to deploy emerging technologies, aiming to drive efficiencies across the public sector and accelerate scientific discovery. source

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:

"Without deals like this in place, we had hundreds of public sector organisations going it alone in negotiations with big tech companies—leaving them without the market clout they need to get the best deal." source

He urged technology firms to present their best ideas, technologies, and pricing to benefit the British taxpayer.

This partnership is part of a broader governmental strategy to overhaul public services through technology, aiming to make interactions with government services—ranging from healthcare to tax returns—more efficient and user-friendly. The initiative targets unlocking £45 billion in efficiency savings within the public sector. source

The modernization of public sector technology is expected to have several societal benefits:

• Improved Public Services: Citizens can anticipate more efficient and reliable public services, reducing delays and improving user experience.

• Enhanced Cybersecurity: Updating legacy systems will mitigate cybersecurity risks, protecting sensitive personal data and critical infrastructure.

• Economic Growth: The initiative aims to unlock significant efficiency savings, potentially redirecting funds to other public services or reducing the tax burden.

• Workforce Development: Upskilling civil servants in digital and AI competencies will prepare the workforce for future technological advancements and foster a culture of innovation within the public sector.

The UK government's partnership with Google Cloud is part of a series of initiatives to modernize public sector technology. For instance, in November 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer inaugurated London's first Google-funded AI Campus in Camden, aiming to equip young people with crucial AI and machine learning skills. This campus offers resources and mentorship from Google's AI company, DeepMind, to students aged 16-18. source

Additionally, the UK has entered into a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI to integrate advanced AI into public services such as healthcare, justice, and education. This partnership includes potential investments in UK-based AI infrastructure and data centers, as well as collaboration with the UK’s AI Safety Institute. source

The partnership between the UK government and Google Cloud represents a significant step toward modernizing public sector technology. By addressing legacy system challenges and investing in workforce development, the initiative aims to enhance public service delivery and achieve substantial efficiency savings.