AI at work, by profession
The UK Government AI Playbook and transparency records: what public bodies are asked to do
Ten principles for the public sector, and a published record of the tools that affect people.
Checked against the published sources on 2 October 2026.
The short answer
The Playbook, published on 10 February 2025, gives ten principles for departments and public sector organisations, including meaningful human control and using the right tool for the job. The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is mandatory for government departments and for arm's length bodies that deliver public services or deal with the public, and is recommended across the whole public sector.
- Playbook
- 10 February 2025
- Principles
- Ten
- Transparency record
- Two tiers, published on GOV.UK
- Equality duty
- Section 149, Equality Act 2010
Human control
Humans should validate any high-risk decisions influenced by AI, and there should be a way for users to report issues and prompt a human review.
The record
It covers tools with a significant influence on a decision-making process with public effect, or that directly interact with the public. Tier 1 is a plain summary for the public. Tier 2 is fuller detail for specialists.
Fairness
The public sector equality duty requires due regard to equality before and while a decision is made, including a decision to buy and use a tool. The duty cannot be handed to a supplier, and it is good practice to keep a record of how equality was considered.
This page explains what the rule says. It is not legal, regulatory, clinical or financial advice on your own position. Rules change, so read the sources listed beside it, and tell us at hello@wajd.co.uk if something here is out of date.
Learn it properly, free
This guide is the summary. The course teaches it in full, with a video conversation, worked scenarios and a knowledge check after each module. Every module is free to read with no account. A certificate, if you want one once you pass, is £9.
AI at work, by industry · 1.5 CPD hours
AI in the public sector and local government: the Playbook, transparency and fairness
Questions people ask
Is the transparency standard mandatory for councils?
It is mandatory for government departments and for arm's length bodies that deliver public services or deal with the public. It is recommended for the rest of the public sector, and records from local government are welcomed.
How many principles are in the AI Playbook?
Ten.
Does the equality duty apply to buying software?
Yes. Choosing and using a tool is an exercise of the body's functions.