UK Launches Centre for AI Measurement to Bolster Trust
The UK government is investing £10.5 million to establish a new Centre for AI Measurement, which will be led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The centre is a key component of the AI Assurance Innovation Fund.
Its primary goal is to speed up the development of practical tools that help organizations find, evaluate, and reduce AI-related risks before they impact the public or the economy.
As more capable AI systems are used in public services and industry, there is a growing demand for scientifically sound approaches to AI assurance. The new centre will combine research, testing, and industry collaboration into a single national capability. It will provide technical expertise to businesses, startups, and researchers creating assurance tools for real-world use.
This will also help move trusted AI assurance tools into the market faster, supporting safe adoption and strengthening the UK's position in AI testing and evaluation.
Grounded in the Science of Measurement
NPL, the UK's National Metrology Institute, is already a key player in building confidence in AI. It is a founding partner of the AI Standards Hub, which works on international standards for AI governance and measurement.
By embedding AI assurance in metrology-the science of measurement-the Centre for AI Measurement gives the UK a strategic advantage. It positions the country as a trusted location for AI testing, evaluation, and security.
Dr. Peter Thompson, chief executive of NPL, said the centre would work with industry to develop and validate technical AI assurance capabilities. He described it as an independent national resource to support economic growth and national security.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan noted that trusted tools are essential for deploying AI with confidence. He said the centre will help organizations identify and mitigate risks early, which will accelerate safe AI adoption across the UK.
Free AI Training for 10 Million Workers
This announcement follows the government's plan to expand its national AI skills program. The initiative commits to providing free AI training to 10 million workers by 2030 through a government-industry partnership.
The program offers free training to every adult through a new national framework. The focus is on building practical, job-ready AI skills to strengthen the country's long-term economic competitiveness.
PwC UK has been appointed a delivery partner for the AI Skills Boost initiative. Central to this is the AI Skills Hub, which will provide free access to training and offer participants the chance to earn a government-backed virtual AI foundations badge.
For those in public service looking to get ahead, building foundational knowledge is a smart first step. You can start today by exploring practical AI courses sorted by job role to prepare for these future changes.
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