Public sector faces mounting AI pressures amid ‘do more with less’ reality

New data suggests that while AI is being adopted across the UK public sector to drive efficiency, it is also adding pressure to the IT teams responsible for its implementation.

In a survey of global IT pros by SolarWinds, more than half (56 percent) of public sector respondents say AI has made their roles more demanding. While the technology is expected to help teams do more with less, increased responsibility and oversight is reportedly placing additional strain on already stretched teams.

The data also shows that public sector’s biggest challenge is AI being layered into already complex IT landscapes. Nine in 10 (90 percent) public sector organisations say their systems are fragmented across platforms, making it harder to introduce and manage new technologies consistently.

The impact of AI is also being felt more in how work is done than in how much work there is to do. Almost three quarters (74 percent) say AI is changing how teams operate but not reducing overall workload. This shift is adding strain, with 32 percent of public sector pros saying cognitive load has increased, while 35 percent say it has reduced in some areas but risen in others.

Establishing AI frameworks

At the same time, the report shows that many organisations are yet to establish the right frameworks. More than half (59 percent) say clearer AI policies and guardrails would help teams adapt, while skills gaps and insufficient training are expected to become the second biggest challenge as IT automation becomes more widespread.

According to those surveyed, the most in demand skills for public sector IT teams include designing AI-driven workflows (50 percent), evaluating and validating AI outputs (43 percent) and interpreting AI-generated insights (42 percent).

“Public sector organisations are under real pressure to do more with less, so it’s understandable that Artificial Intelligence is being looked to as part of the answer. But, as powerful as it is, AI only helps if it’s implemented thoughtfully, and if the technology itself doesn’t become another burden for already stretched teams,” said Rich Giblin, head of public sector and defence at SolarWinds.

“If adopting AI requires a major project, complex configuration or dedicated resource to manage it, then the effort hasn’t been reduced, it has just been moved. The tools that create the most value in resource-constrained environments are the ones that are practical to deploy, easy to use and able to deliver benefits from day one.

“There is also a clear need to be realistic about where AI adds value. Used well, it can support efficiency and help teams work differently, but it should only be applied within clear boundaries. The most effective organisations will be the ones that treat AI as a precision tool to support service quality, rather than as a blanket fix for pressure on teams.”