UK Government Unveils ASO Model to Accelerate AI Adoption and Boost Productivity

Government Launches ASO Model to Speed Up AI Adoption

The UK Government has introduced a new model to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across public sector organisations and businesses. Named ASO — which stands for Adopt, Sustain, Optimise — this approach builds on the success of Assist, a generative AI tool developed by the Government Communication Service (GCS) to support communications professionals.

Since its launch, Assist has been embraced by over 70% of government communications staff in 210 organisations, saving users an average of three hours per week. This early success demonstrates the potential for AI tools to improve productivity and efficiency across government functions.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan

Earlier this year, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan, targeting £45 billion in productivity savings for the public sector through AI. The ASO model is a key part of this strategy, helping organisations unlock AI’s benefits while managing risks and fostering sustainable adoption.

Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould MP emphasised the importance of opening AI tools to all parts of the public sector and wider economy. She highlighted that the ASO model provides a clear framework to build confidence and encourage safe, effective AI use.

Three Steps to Successful AI Implementation

The ASO model breaks down AI adoption into three practical steps that organisations can follow to make the most of AI technologies.

• Adopt: Focus on removing barriers to AI uptake by understanding the challenges faced by staff and providing targeted support to encourage adoption.
• Sustain: Create the right organisational culture, support systems, and guidance to embed AI tools into daily workflows, ensuring consistent and effective use.
• Optimise: Identify, monitor, and mitigate risks that come with AI use, including unintended consequences, through a proven risk management approach.

Managing Hidden Risks with New Guidance

Alongside the ASO model, the Government has released guidance to help organisations address “hidden” risks involved in AI adoption. This includes a toolkit to spot and manage issues related to how people and teams interact with AI tools.

The guidance highlights six categories of hidden risks such as quality assurance challenges and negative perceptions that can hinder AI’s benefits. Proactively addressing these risks helps safeguard productivity gains and maintain trust in AI-powered systems.

Public sector teams looking to deepen their AI skills and knowledge can explore relevant AI courses tailored for government professionals to support effective implementation and governance.