workforce Articles
NEED MINI SPONSOR LOGO
People, skills, partners: GGF study outlines the foundations for future-ready government digital capability
A new study by Global Government Forum explores how government organisations can ensure they have the right people, skills and partners to deliver on their digital visions. The report identifies six common foundations that underpin digital capability across governments, and how to make sure these foundations are resilient in a fast-changing environment. The study was…
New Canadian government website tracks planned public service job cuts
The Government of Canada has launched a website to allow the public to track the reduction of the public service headcount. The workforce reduction tracker will provide updates on the progress being made by the federal government to reduce the size of the public service by 16,000 posts over three years. The website provides data on…
Research identifies top skills that support innovation in government
When asked about the top skills for civil servants to develop so they can better drive innovation, adaptability to change is viewed as the most essential, with nearly 60% of respondents emphasising its importance. Collaboration and teamwork follow closely, as almost half of the participants deem these skills crucial. The findings are from Global Government…
Thawing the ‘middle management permafrost’: Management and workforce takeaways from Innovation 2025
Global Government Forum has used an artificial intelligence tool to analyse all the sessions at Innovation 2025 for takeaways relating to public and civil service management and workforce issues. Key topics discussed at Global Government Forum’s Innovation conference include addressing digital and data skills gaps within the civil service, creating a culture of innovation –…
Is DEI a spent force, or could it be revived by merit?
‘As governments worldwide face increasing scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, how should they react, and could a merit-focused approach offer a more sustainable DEI future?’ ask Andrew and Nada Kakabadse, professors of leadership and governance at Henley Business School The recent executive order by US president Donald Trump to dismantle DEI policies…
News in brief: Canada’s vision for better digital services, UK urged to reverse climate rollbacks
Global Government Forum’s weekly news roundup of public service intelligence In this edition: Canada releases new vision for better digital public services The Government of Canada has published the latest iteration of its digital service strategy. In it, the CEO of the Canadian Digital Service (CDS), Paul Wagner, called on public servants to “break down…
Connected islands: Shared lessons for digital leaders in the Caribbean
The Caribbean contains huge diversity – but at a regional gathering of digital leaders, there was plenty of agreement on how to address the challenges they share. In this second report from the event, Matt Ross identifies six key messages for the Caribbean’s technology chiefs In the first article, we set out five key messages…
US government’s HR agency publishes ‘workforce of the future’ playbook
The federal government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has published a new ‘playbook’ outlining actions that agencies can take to revamp HR practices and strategically plan their future workforces. Suggestions include greater use of data and artificial intelligence, more proactive recruitment methods, and an increased focus on career development. The practical guide follows a vision…
workforce Events, Conferences & Summits - In-Person
workforce Webinars
workforce Research
Discover independent research reports, surveys and in-depth studies from Global Government Forum and knowledge partners, exploring the most important issues facing governments and the public sector. Our research provides practical insights and evidence-based recommendations for senior civil servants, policymakers and public sector leaders. Our reports combine exclusive survey data, expert analysis and interviews with government leaders from around the world to help public sector organisations improve performance, inform policy and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
Empowering Public Servants to Make Confident, Informed Decisions with Data and AI
Governments around the world are working hard to extract – and act upon – the insights held in their vast data stores, and to embrace AI and the promise it holds for innovation and transformation. At the same time, economic pressures and constrained budgets are compelling public servants to do more with fewer resources, while governments are called to respond quickly and effectively to complex challenges.
Against this backdrop, data and AI can help those working in government both to streamline their workflows and make fast, informed decisions. This in turn drives efficiency and can unlock productivity gains – and ultimately lead to improved performance and better services for citizens.
Global Government Forum surveyed over 600 civil servants worldwide to understand how data and AI are being used in government decision-making and where there are further challenges and opportunities.
Read this report for insight into how governments are using data and AI in decision-making today and the potential for the future; the major challenges to using data and AI in decision-making and how to overcome them; and how AI agents can be used in decision-making.
The report includes examples of data and AI in decision-making from countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the US, and more.
(Published September 2025)
Making Government Work: Five Pillars of a Modern, Effective Civil Service
Around the world, governments are dealing with substantial challenges – from economic stagnation to the transition to net zero, military conflicts and cyber threats. Governments are also grappling with shifting geopolitics and the rise of populism – and all of these factors are set against the emergence of new technologies, including generative AI, which have the potential to fundamentally transform every aspect of society, but which also pose huge ethical, security and regulatory questions for the public sector.
The Making Government Work: Five pillars of a modern, effective civil service report was undertaken to help identify the key characteristics needed in a modern public service, with priorities ranging across leadership, digital service delivery, workforce development, cross-departmental integration, and citizen trust.
This report has been covered by publications around the world including the Financial Times, BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Ottawa Citizen, Fed Manager, the Mandarin and the i newspaper.
(Published August 2024)
The Future of the Finance Ministry
From setting tax rates and financial regulations that create the ground rules for national economies, to allocating – and tracking – spending for public services, finance ministries occupy an essential role at the centre of government. Geopolitical crises have reinforced the importance of finance ministries, as they tackle both immediate shocks and long-term trends such as ageing populations, the digital transition, and the impact of moves to net zero.
Against this backdrop, this global research explores what the future finance ministry looks like and how to prepare for it.
Based on interviews with 10 senior leaders from finance ministries – led by John McCarthy, chief economist in Ireland’s Department of Finance, working with Ian Hall, editor, Global Government Finance, and Richard Johnstone, executive editor, Global Government Forum – the study identifies four key themes: the evolving role of the finance ministry in response to uncertainty; the shift to more flexible finance systems that support outcomes; digital transformation and the growth of AI; and the battle for talent and trust.
(Published May 2026)
Partnerships
Partner with us to connect with senior government leaders, policymakers, public sector professionals and the organisations shaping the future of AI in public services.
Our partnership opportunities are designed to facilitate meaningful collaboration, knowledge sharing and engagement across the public sector. Whether you are a government department, local authority, public body or industry organisation, we help you share expertise, showcase innovation and contribute to the responsible adoption of AI across public services.
Join the workforce Community
Be part of the growing community shaping the future of AI across government and the public sector.
Sign up to receive the latest AI news, research, events, webinars and practical insights from GGF and our partners. You'll be the first to hear about new reports, conferences, networking opportunities and thought leadership from government and industry experts.
Latest News
