Microsoft and the Crown Commercial Service have signed a 5 year partnership as a way to support digital innovation for businesses in public sector. From 1 November, the agreement will give the public access to discounted Microsoft tools, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Business Applications, and the AI-powered 365 Copilot.
The partnership intends on improving public service operations, so that departments work better together and their processes are more up to date and with the times. Microsoft continues to build on its £2.5 billion investment in expanding data centres across the UK as a way to properly support the digital infrastructure, as well as public services.
This partnership intends on assisting government institutions in using smarter technologies while managing their budgets properly. The use of these tools is expected to bring lasting improvements to both employees’ work experience and the services brought to the public.
How Will Microsoft 365 Copilot Change Public Services?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an important tool in this partnership. The AI-driven tool automates routine tasks, supports content creation, and promotes better teamwork. It also decreases the time staff spend on repetitive work.
The use of AI tools is expected to make public services more responsive and well-organised. With Copilot used for day-to-day tasks, departments will be able to function more smoothly, bringing faster and more reliable services to citizens. These improvements reduce stress on workers, so this makes their workload more manageable.
To prepare employees for the transition, training programmes will be introduced. These sessions will help staff get comfortable with new technology, making sure they are ready to work well with AI tools as part of their routine operations.
Will This Impact The Economy?
The government expects the digital transformation to support economic growth. Research suggests that expanding the use of technology could add £550 billion to the UK’s GDP by 2035. Public sector organisations will be able to work smarter and reduce costs, in turn improving both service delivery and operational efficiency.
Microsoft’s expanded data centres will also help with job creation. The more demand grows for cloud services and digital infrastructure, new roles will open up in technology sectors.
The partnership is also trying to relieve financial pressure on communities, with improved services and new jobs helping improve the cost-of-living crisis. The goal is to create a stronger public sector that can serve citizens better and bring more economic stability during uncertain times.
What Training Will Be Provided?
The partnership has a large-scale training initiative focused on building digital skills across the public sector workforce. Microsoft plans to train over one million people in AI-related skills through workshops, online courses, and certifications. These resources will help staff understand and make the most of the new technology introduced through this partnership.
Microsoft’s Enterprise Skills Initiative is also part of this project, encouraging public sector employees to develop skills that match the ever changing demands of their roles. Staff will have access to learning opportunities, so that they stay informed with the latest tools and software.
The goal of the training is to provide employees with the knowledge needed to navigate the changing digital world confidently. This focus on skill development will bring smoother transitions to new tools, so that public services remain useful and well-prepared to meet modern demands.
