GOV.UK's Conversational AI Plans: 5 Things To Know
Just over a month ago, Leanne Cummings, Director of Products & Services at Government Digital Services posted a blog about the UK Government's plans with Conversational AI (or chatbots).
As far as I'm concerned, it's been a lonnnnnnng time coming! But I'm pleased there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel.
Essentially, they're aiming to bring a conversational interface to the main GOV.UK website – and I think that's a brilliant idea.
Based on the article, here are 5 takeaways:
1. It lets people ask questions in plain English
GOV.UK Chat is designed to let users ask questions the way they would in everyday conversation, e.g. "I've just had a baby, do you know what help I can get?", rather than navigating through menus and pages. Just in case you were wondering. The system then pulls together relevant information from across government departments to provide a single, joined-up answer.
I'm envisioning this as essentially a Google search-box style screen that you simply start typing into – and that expands into a chat environment. Something like that.
2. It's been tested in two public pilots
Throughout 2025, GDS ran two scaled public pilots: First on the GOV.UK website, and then within the GOV.UK app. The findings from these pilots are informing the planned wider rollout.
Unfortunately, I missed or didn't come across BOTH pilots. Would have loved to have got some screenshots!
3. Rollout begins early 2026
Based on pilot results, GDS plans to release GOV.UK Chat in the GOVUK app in early 2026. After that, the intention is to make it available across the website more broadly.
I'm hoping that's very early in 2026!
4. It's part of a broader government AI push
GOV.UK Chat was highlighted as one of five "kickstarters" in the government's blueprint for modern digital government, and in July 2025 it was selected as one of the Prime Minister's AI Exemplars. (More information on that, here,)
I'd really like to see the rest of UK government be a fast follower for this. So, yes, let's get GOV.UK operational and then let's get the rest, pronto? NHS 111, I'm looking at you!
5. The longer-term vision is "agentic AI"
GDS is experimenting with moving GOV.UK Chat from providing answers to performing actions (i.e. Agentic AI). Current areas of exploration include:
- Enabling simple transactions through the chat interface (inspired by Ukraine's Diia.AI - more reading here)
- Handing users over to departmental customer support when needed
- Integrating GOV.UK Chat within existing departmental services
No surprise here.. and also, no blog, anywhere, involving AI, is complete without at least one mention of 'Agentic' 😄
What about my Agent?
One question I have for the GDS team. What about my Agent(s)? How about enabling my agents to interact with your services? I know I'm complicating things...
