Author: Certes

Bridging the Gap After London’s AI Summit 2026 

 In June 2026, London once again hosted one of the world’s most influential gatherings on artificial intelligence: The AI Summit London, the flagship event of London Tech Week. Bringing together more than 5,000 attendees, 300 speakers, and global policymakers and innovators, the summit reflected a decisive shift in AI, from experimentation to real-world deployment at scale.

But perhaps the most important conversation emerging from London this year was not just about productivity or business transformation, it was about national security. 

AI innovation is moving at unprecedented speed. Military innovation, by contrast, historically moves cautiously, constrained by procurement cycles, regulation, and risk. The central question is now urgent: how can the UK armed forces keep pace and what happens if they don’t? 

From Hype to Deployment: What the London AI Summit Revealed 

A defining theme of the 2026 summit was that AI is no longer experimental, it is operational. Across industries, organisations are moving beyond pilots and into full-scale deployment.

This shift is reinforced by broader announcements during London Tech Week, including billions in investment in AI infrastructure, sovereign compute, and enterprise AI rollout, marking a transition “from demonstration to deployment.”

This matters for defence. The same rapid cycles driving innovation in healthcare, finance, and logistics are reshaping warfare. AI models are improving at an 

extraordinary speed, doubling capabilities in months rather than years, and creating a widening gap between technological possibility and institutional adoption.

The Military Innovation Gap 

Unlike startups or tech firms, military organisations must prioritise reliability, safety, and accountability. This inevitably slows adoption. Procurement cycles can take years, while AI systems evolve in weeks. 

UK defence leaders are acutely aware of this gap. Speaking during London Tech Week, the Chief of the Defence Staff warned that failing to adopt AI quickly enough could mean losing future conflicts, noting that adversaries are iterating at pace.

This is not theoretical. Modern warfare is becoming a contest of who can integrate and deploy technology fastest, particularly in areas like: 

  • Intelligence processing 
  • Autonomous systems 
  • Electronic warfare 
  • Operational planning 

The lesson from recent conflicts, including Ukraine, is stark: speed of adaptation is now a decisive advantage.

A Turning Point: AI on the Frontline 

Recognising this urgency, the UK government used the momentum of London Tech Week to launch a major initiative: the Rapid AI Delivery (RAID) Taskforce. 

Announced on 10 June 2026, the task force is designed to accelerate the deployment of AI tools into the hands of UK armed forces, bypassing traditional bottlenecks and working directly with industry.

Its goals are clear: 

  • Faster decision-making through AI-enabled analytics 
  • Improved operational planning using predictive modelling 
  • Reduced risk to personnel via uncrewed and autonomous systems 
  • Closer collaboration with tech companies to drive innovation 

This represents a fundamental shift: from slow, hierarchical adoption to agile, mission-driven innovation. 

Where AI Can Transform UK Defence 

AI’s potential in defence is broad, spanning both the battlefield and back-office operations. Key areas include: 

1. Decision Advantage:

AI can process vast datasets (satellite imagery, signals intelligence, battlefield reports) in real time. Tasks that once took weeks can now be completed in hours. This enables commanders to act faster and with greater confidence. 

 

2. Autonomous and Uncrewed Systems

From drone swarms to autonomous naval vessels, AI enables machines to operate with increasing independence. 

The UK is already testing: 

These systems can extend reach, reduce risk, and operate in contested environments. 

3. Operational Planning and Simulation 

AI can model complex scenarios, simulate outcomes, and recommend optimal strategies, essentially acting as a decision-support system for military planners. 

The Government envisions AI supporting automated military planning and improving mission readiness across domains

4. Logistics and Maintenance 

AI can predict equipment failures, optimise supply chains, and improve readiness, areas often overlooked but critical to operational success. 

This includes predictive maintenance for aircraft and vehicles, reducing downtime and cost. 

5. Cyber and Information Warfare 

AI plays a key role in detecting cyber threats, analysing adversary behaviour, and defending critical infrastructure. 

Future warfare will be as much about data and networks as physical assets.

The Barriers: Culture, Procurement, and Trust 

Despite the potential, significant barriers remain. 

A UK parliamentary report highlights that defence must undergo both practical and cultural change, including: 

  • Streamlining procurement processes 
  • Improving access for smaller tech firms 
  • Building AI skills within the military 
  • Becoming more comfortable with rapid experimentation 

In short, adopting AI is not just a technical challenge, it is an organisational one. 

Trust is also crucial. Unlike commercial AI, defence systems must meet strict ethical and legal standards, particularly where autonomy is involved. 

Closing the Gap: From Summit to Strategy 

The 2026 London AI Summit made one thing clear: AI innovation will not slow down to accommodate traditional institutions. 

For the UK armed forces, this means adapting to a new reality where: 

  • Innovation cycles are measured in months 
  • Competitive advantage depends on data and algorithms 
  • Collaboration with industry is essential 

Encouragingly, the UK is positioning itself to lead. It already ranks among the top AI ecosystems globally and is investing heavily in infrastructure, talent, and sovereign capability. 

But the challenge is execution. 

Conclusion: A Race Against Time 

The gap between commercial AI innovation and military adoption is narrowing, but not fast enough. 

As highlighted in London this month, the future of defence will be defined not by who has the best weapons, but by who can adapt technology the fastest. 

The creation of the RAID taskforce is a decisive step. Yet success will depend on whether the UK can truly embrace a new model of defence innovation, one that matches the speed, agility, and ambition of the AI revolution itself. 

Because in the age of AI, the cost of delay is no longer measured in inefficiency. 

It is measured in strategic disadvantage. 

 

 

As public sector organisations manage ever‑growing volumes of sensitive and classified information, data redaction has become a critical governance and security function, not simply an administrative task. Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, legal disclosure, digital archiving and records transfer to The National Archives (TNA) all demand precision, transparency and accountability.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents clear opportunities to accelerate redaction workflows, not all AI is suitable for secure public sector environments. The answer is not uncontrolled generative AI, but Responsible AI built on ethics, explainability and human oversight.

At Certes IT, we believe that Responsible AI is essential to ensure that automation enhances confidence, compliance and control, rather than introducing new risks.

What Is Responsible AI?

Responsible AI refers to AI systems designed and deployed in a way that is:

  • Ethical and lawful
  • Transparent and explainable
  • Secure by design
  • Auditable and accountable
  • Supported by meaningful human oversight

This approach closely aligns with the UK Government’s Artificial Intelligence Playbook for the UK Government, which sets out ten principles for AI use, including lawfulness, transparency, security and meaningful human control at appropriate stages.

Responsible AI vs Generative AI for Secure Data Redaction

Generative AI tools are typically trained on large external datasets and designed to produce new content. While valuable in low‑risk environments, they are unsuitable for handling classified, sensitive or mission‑critical public sector data due to:

  • Opaque decision‑making (“black box” models)
  • Limited auditability
  • Risk of data leakage or uncontrolled learning
  • Difficulty demonstrating legal or governance compliance

In contrast, Explainable and Ethical AI, such as the systems used within Certes’ managed services, operates within defined rule‑sets, produces traceable decisions, and allows departmental teams to understand, challenge and validate outcomes.

This distinction is critical when working with Official, Secret, Tier 2 or Tier 3 data, where transparency and assurance are not optional but mandatory.

The Human Element: Why People Still Matter in AI‑Driven Redaction

The UK Government’s AI Playbook and Data & AI Ethics Framework are clear: AI must augment, not replace, human judgement in high‑risk use cases.

This is especially relevant for data redaction, where errors can result in:

  • Accidental disclosure of personal or classified information
  • Breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018 or UK GDPR
  • Loss of public trust and reputational damage

Responsible AI introduces a human‑in‑the‑loop model, where:

  • AI accelerates the identification of sensitive content
  • Security‑cleared specialists validate and approve redactions
  • Decisions remain contestable, auditable and defensible

Certes’ Data Redaction Service combines Explainable AI with ex‑military SC and DV cleared personnel, ensuring that automation never removes accountability or professional judgement.

Why Responsible AI Matters for Public Sector Data Redaction

Public sector redaction must comply with multiple statutory and regulatory obligations, including:

Key Challenges Without Responsible AI

Government reviews and parliamentary reports have highlighted concerns around AI adoption without transparency or assurance, particularly where high‑risk decisions lack explainability.

Without Responsible AI, departments face:

  • Inconsistent redaction decisions
  • Limited defensibility during audits or appeals
  • Over‑redaction (reducing transparency)
  • Under‑redaction (data breaches)

Responsible AI mitigates these risks by supporting consistent rule‑based decisions, creating a clear audit trail, and enabling structured human review.

Responsible AI Approach to Data Redaction

Certes’ Data & Records Transformation Service is designed specifically for government and secure environments, delivering AI‑enabled redaction without compromising security or control.

Key Principles in Practice

Drawing directly from Certes’ service model:

  • Explainable and Ethical AI
    Decisions are accurate, transparent, auditable and aligned to policy changes without model retraining.
  • Manage‑in‑Place Architecture
    Data never leaves the client’s environment, significantly reducing DLP risks and supporting Secure‑by‑Design principles.
  • Human Oversight by Cleared Professionals
    Ex‑military SC and DV cleared teams provide expert validation in high‑pressure, high‑risk contexts.
  • Compliance by Design
    Redaction processes align with FOI, GDPR, ICO guidance and TNA directives from the outset.

This approach mirrors the UK Government’s emphasis on secure deployment, transparency and accountability in AI systems.

Building Trust Through Responsible AI

Trust is foundational to public sector digital transformation. The UK Government’s AI assurance initiatives highlight that explainability and auditability are essential to building confidence in AI‑assisted decision-making.

For data redaction, Responsible AI delivers:

  • Faster turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy
  • Defensible decisions during FOI appeals or legal challenges
  • Reduced operational burden on internal teams
  • Confidence that sensitive information remains protected

 

Conclusion: Responsible AI Is Not Optional. It’s Essential

Data redaction is a mission‑critical function within the public sector. When dealing with sensitive or classified information, the question is not whether to use AI, but how to use it responsibly.

Responsible AI, ethical, explainable and human‑led, offers public sector organisations the ability to scale securely, remain compliant, and maintain public trust.

At Certes IT, our Responsible AI‑enabled Data Redaction Services are built to meet the realities of government, defence and secure environments, where control, clarity and confidence matter most.

Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever in the Public Sector

Artificial Intelligence is now embedded across government and public sector organisations – from automating document processing to supporting policy analysis and service design. However, not all AI is created equal.

As public sector leaders navigate regulatory pressure, accountability requirements and growing public scrutiny, one distinction is becoming increasingly important: the difference between Generative AI vs Explainable AI (XAI).

Understanding this difference is critical not only for successful AI adoption, but for ensuring ethical, transparent and controllable use of data across government services.

What Is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to systems that create new content based on patterns learned from large datasets. This can include:

  • Text generation (e.g. reports, emails, summaries)
  • Image and video creation
  • Code generation
  • Synthetic data production

Popular large language models fall into this category. They are powerful, fast and increasingly accessible – but they come with inherent challenges for public sector use.

Key characteristics of Generative AI:

  • Operates as a black box – outputs are difficult to trace back to specific inputs or decision paths
  • Often trained on vast, mixed-quality datasets, raising data provenance concerns
  • Can produce hallucinations – confident but incorrect outputs
  • Limited auditability and justification for decisions

While Generative AI can deliver productivity gains, its lack of transparency can conflict with public sector obligations around fairness, explainability, compliance and trust.

What Is Explainable AI (XAI)?

Explainable AI, by contrast, is designed to ensure that AI decisions can be understood, interpreted and justified by humans.

Rather than focusing on content creation, Explainable AI prioritises:

  • Decision transparency
  • Clear reasoning paths
  • Governance and control
  • Accountability at every stage

This makes XAI particularly well‑suited to environments where decisions must be defensible – such as government, defence, healthcare, policing and regulatory bodies.

Key characteristics of Explainable AI:

  • Clear visibility into how outcomes are reached
  • Easier auditing and compliance with regulations
  • Reduced risk of unintended bias or data misuse
  • Greater confidence for operational and policy decisions

In short, Explainable AI supports better decisions, not just faster outputs.

Why Explainable AI Is Better Aligned to Public Sector Needs

Public sector organisations operate under a unique set of constraints and responsibilities. AI systems must align with legal, ethical and societal expectations, not just technical performance.

1. Accountability and Auditability

Government bodies must be able to explain decisions to citizens, regulators and auditors. Explainable AI enables:

  • Transparent decision trails
  • Evidenced outcomes
  • Clear accountability for automated processes

This is essential where AI influences benefits allocation, risk assessments or policy recommendations.

2. Stronger Data Governance

Explainable AI relies on well‑structured, classified and trusted data. This ensures:

  • Sensitive data is used appropriately
  • Records management policies are enforced
  • AI outputs remain grounded in authoritative sources

Without this foundation, AI systems can quickly become unreliable and non‑compliant.

3. Reduced Operational and Reputational Risk

Black‑box AI systems introduce risks around bias, data leakage and misinformation. Explainable AI:

  • Makes risks visible and manageable
  • Supports proactive control rather than reactive correction
  • Aligns with emerging AI governance frameworks and UK public sector guidance

This is particularly important in secure or high‑impact environments.

4. Greater Public Trust

Trust is critical to digital transformation. Citizens expect government to use data responsibly and fairly. Explainable AI helps build confidence by ensuring decisions are transparent, justifiable and human‑understandable.

The Missing Ingredient: Trusted Data and Records Foundations

Even the most carefully designed AI model will fail without the right data foundations in place.

Public sector organisations often face challenges such as:

  • Legacy records systems
  • Poor data classification
  • Inconsistent metadata
  • Siloed or unstructured information

These issues make it difficult to deploy Explainable AI at scale.

How Certes IT Enables Explainable AI Through Data & Records Transformation

Certes IT’s Data & Records Transformation Service is designed to address these challenges directly, creating the conditions needed for safe, explainable and effective AI adoption.

Our service helps public sector organisations to:

  • Transform and structure data so it is usable, traceable and trustworthy
  • Classify and govern records in line with regulatory and security requirements
  • Establish clear data lineage, supporting explainability and auditability
  • Enable AI‑ready environments where decision‑making can be controlled and justified

By strengthening data governance and records management, organisations gain the confidence to deploy Explainable AI in a way that is compliant, ethical and operationally robust.

Learn more about our Data & Records Transformation Service here

Generative AI and Explainable AI: Not Either/Or

It’s important to note that this is not an argument to abandon Generative AI altogether. In many cases, the most effective approach is a hybrid model:

  • Generative AI for productivity and insight generation
  • Explainable AI for decisions, recommendations and outcomes

However, in public sector environments, Explainable AI must always lead when decisions affect people, policy or critical services.

Final Thoughts on Generative AI vs Explainable AI

As AI continues to evolve, public sector organisations must look beyond what AI can do and focus on what it should do.

Explainable AI offers:

  • Greater control
  • Stronger governance
  • Reduced risk
  • Increased public trust

When built on trusted, transformed data foundations, it becomes a powerful enabler for responsible innovation.

With the right strategy and the right partner, public sector organisations can harness AI not as a black box, but as a transparent, accountable and defensible decision‑making tool.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the cybersecurity landscape at an unprecedented pace. The increasing use of AI in Cyber Security allows for everything from predictive threat detection to automated incident response, and AI-driven tools promise efficiency and speed. However, this rapid evolution brings new challenges, and the most critical factor in meeting them isn’t technology alone, but the people behind it. This is particularly true when considering how AI and Cyber Security intersect to shape defence strategies.

 

What to Expect from AI in Cyber Security

AI adoption will reshape traditional security practices. Expect:

  • Automated Threat Detection: Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being deployed for cyber security defence, enabling faster identification of anomalies than by human analysts.
  • Predictive Analytics: Anticipating attacks before they occur is becoming more achievable thanks to advanced AI applications in the sector.
  • Enhanced Vulnerability Management: Continuous scanning and patching can be handled more effectively when combining cyber security automation with artificial intelligence innovation.
  • New Attack Vectors: Cybercriminals will also leverage artificial intelligence, creating more sophisticated threats and prompting cyber security professionals to evolve their defences.

While these advancements are exciting, they also demand a workforce equipped to manage, interpret, and govern AI systems responsibly, particularly as cyber security relies more on artificial intelligence insights.

 

Why the Workforce Should Be at the Forefront

Technology is only as strong as the people who deploy and oversee it. Here’s why, especially regarding AI-infused cyber security environments:

  • Human Oversight is Essential: AI can make decisions, but ethical and strategic judgment within cyber security frameworks requires human input.
  • Skills Gap is Growing: AI introduces new roles, such as AI security specialists and governance experts, that many organisations aren’t prepared for in the fast-evolving cyber security sector.
  • Compliance and Risk Management: Regulatory frameworks require human accountability, even as AI grows in relevance across the cyber security landscape.
  • Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Cyber threats evolve; so must the workforce. The integration of AI with cyber means continual upskilling is vital.

Investing in people ensures resilience, compliance, and innovation in an AI-driven security environment. Therefore, balancing artificial intelligence capabilities with expert professionals will future-proof organisations.

 

How Certes IT Recruitment Can Help

At Certes, we understand the urgency of bridging the skills gap. Our recruitment solutions focus on uniting talent with proficiency in both AI and cyber security across multiple industries.

  • Specialist Talent Acquisition: Sourcing professionals with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity expertise, particularly those who understand both artificial intelligence techniques and the specifics of cyber security.
  • SC/DV Cleared Candidates: Ensuring compliance for government and defence projects, with an eye on security cleared cyber security and AI experts.
  • Flexible Resourcing Models: Permanent, contract, and project-based placements. This flexibility allows for rapid response to the growing demand for AI-versed cyber security talent.
  • Advisory Support: Helping organisations identify future skill needs and build robust teams as the lines between artificial intelligence and the domain of cyber security continue to blur.

 

Final Thoughts

AI will redefine cybersecurity, but success depends on people, not just technology. Organisations that prioritise workforce development will stay ahead of emerging threats and regulatory demands. Whether you’re building an AI-driven cyber security team, or simply upskilling your current staff, Certes IT Recruitment is here to help you build that future-ready team.

In today’s data-driven world, protecting sensitive information is non-negotiable. Whether you’re handling government documents, legal files, or corporate records, data redaction services are essential for compliance and security. But when it comes to implementing redaction, organisations often face a critical question: Should you invest in advanced data redaction tools or build a dedicated data redaction team? The answer isn’t as simple as choosing one over the other; you need both to succeed.

Why Data Redaction Tools Alone Aren’t Enough

Modern redaction software offers speed, automation, and accuracy. These tools can process thousands of documents quickly, identify patterns, and apply consistent redaction across large datasets. For organisations dealing with high volumes of sensitive data, tools are indispensable for efficiency.

However, tools have limitations. Automated systems may struggle with context, nuanced language, or complex document structures. A single missed detail can lead to compliance breaches or reputational damage. Relying solely on technology introduces risk, especially when regulations demand absolute precision.

Why a Data Redaction Team Alone Falls Short

A skilled data redaction team brings human judgment, contextual understanding, and accountability. They can interpret ambiguous cases, apply policy-driven decisions, and ensure quality control. But manual redaction is time-consuming and costly. Without the support of technology, teams can become bottlenecks, slowing down projects and increasing operational expenses.

Where Should Your Budget Go?

Instead of viewing tools and teams as competing priorities, think of them as complementary. Allocate budget strategically:

  • Invest in robust redaction software for automation, scalability, and compliance tracking.
  • Fund a trained redaction team to oversee quality, handle exceptions, and validate outputs.
  • Plan for integration; your tools should empower your team, not replace them.

This balanced approach reduces risk, improves turnaround times, and ensures compliance without overspending.

Key Considerations Before You Decide

  • Volume of data: High-volume projects benefit most from automation.
  • Complexity of documents: Legal or technical content often requires human oversight.
  • Regulatory requirements: Some standards mandate human verification.
  • Budget constraints: Factor in long-term costs of errors and delays.

The Bottom Line

Data redaction isn’t an either/or decision. Data redaction tools deliver speed and consistency, while data redaction teams provide judgment and accountability. Together, they form a robust framework for secure, compliant data handling. At Certes, we provide expert data redaction services that combine advanced technology with skilled professionals because when it comes to protecting sensitive information, precision matters.

When the UK Government first announced plans for a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the King’s Speech of July 2024, it signalled a major shift in how the country would tackle growing cyber threats. Fast forward to today, and the Bill has moved from concept to Parliament, marking the most significant update to UK cyber legislation since the original Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018.

Why Was the Bill Needed?

The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically since 2024. High-profile attacks on critical sectors, from healthcare and transport to retail and manufacturing, have exposed vulnerabilities at the heart of the UK’s economy and national infrastructure. The rise of AI-driven attacks and increasingly complex supply chains has made traditional frameworks inadequate. In 2025 alone, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a 130% increase in nationally significant incidents, costing the UK economy an estimated £14.7 billion annually.

What Does the Bill Aim to Do?

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, introduced to Parliament in November 2025, is designed to:

  • Modernise outdated regulations by amending the NIS framework.
  • Expand the scope to include managed service providers (MSPs) and data centres, alongside traditional operators of essential services (energy, water, health, transport, and digital infrastructure).
  • Strengthen enforcement powers, with penalties of up to £17 million or 4% of global turnover for serious breaches.
  • Mandate faster incident reporting, requiring organisations to notify regulators within 24 hours and provide a full report within 72 hours.
  • Introduce Henry VIII clauses, giving the Secretary of State powers to update regulations quickly in response to emerging threats, a move welcomed for agility, but raising concerns about transparency and industry consultation.

Where Is the Bill Now?

The Bill has completed its first reading in the House of Commons and is awaiting its second reading. Full implementation is expected in 2026, following Royal Assent and secondary legislation. Businesses should start preparing now by reviewing their incident response plans, supply chain security, and compliance frameworks.

Industry Impact and Concerns

For the first time, MSPs and IT service providers will be regulated under a NIS-style regime. This means:

  • Direct duties to manage cyber risk and report incidents.
  • Potential designation as “critical suppliers,” even for smaller firms serving essential sectors.
  • Increased scrutiny from regulators such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which will gain new powers under the Bill.

While many measures are welcomed, critics argue the Bill’s scope remains narrow and risks creating a top-down regulatory model that could alienate industry. There are also questions about how the Bill interacts with financial services, which appear to remain outside its remit, continuing under their own regulatory framework.

What Happens Next?

The Bill is a vital step toward improving national resilience, but legislation alone isn’t enough. Success will depend on:

  • Government and industry collaboration to shape practical standards.
  • Investment in skills and resources for regulators like the ICO and NCSC.
  • A whole-of-society approach, where businesses and citizens understand their role in defending against cyber threats.

Certes IT Service Solutions helps organisations navigate these changes with tailored compliance strategies, robust security frameworks, and proactive risk management. Contact us to learn how we can support your business in meeting the new requirements and building resilience for the future.

In 2025, the UK tech sector reached a combined market valuation of $1.2 trillion, reaffirming its position as Europe’s leading tech ecosystem. Yet even as the nation cements its global reputation for innovation, one challenge continues to limit progress: accessing top digital talent.

According to the Tech Nation “Unlocking the UK Growth Potential” Report (2025), one in three UK businesses identifies the availability of top talent as their biggest barrier to growth. This is not just a private sector problem. Across central and local government, the NHS, education, and public agencies, leaders face the same issue: a widening digital skills gap that is slowing the pace of transformation.

“A tech superpower must also be a skills superpower. The UK Government has set out a bold ambition to address the tech skills gap – enterprise and academia must rally behind that to help scale up training opportunities nationwide.”

— Leon Butler, IMB

The Public Sector’s Digital Skills Challenge

The UK Government’s drive to digitise services, strengthen cybersecurity, and harness data to improve citizen outcomes depends on one thing above all: having the right people in place.

Competition for skilled IT professionals intensifies, and public sector hiring managers face unique barriers, from budget constraints and security clearance requirements to long procurement cycles. This results in longer hiring times and critical capability gaps in areas like cloud migration, AI, DevOps, and data engineering.

The Tech Nation report shows that many organisations are calling for policies that directly reduce the cost of accessing talent, such as R&D tax credits, immigration reform, and training incentives. But while these measures evolve, the immediate need remains clear: public bodies must find smarter ways to attract, assess, and retain specialist IT talent now.

Bridging the Skills Gap with Certes IT Recruitment

With over 40 years of experience partnering with the UK public sector, Certes IT Recruitment understands the complexity and urgency of public service transformation. Certes IT Recruitment is a strategic workforce partner that helps government departments, local authorities, and public agencies secure the expertise they need to deliver secure, citizen-focused digital services.

How Certes Supports Public Sector Hiring Managers

  1. Strategic Partnership Approach:
    We operate as an extension of your internal hiring function, aligning with your digital strategy to forecast needs, improve collaboration, and ensure that critical roles are filled efficiently and compliantly.
  2. Public Sector Expertise and Compliance:
    Our consultants specialise in public sector frameworks and standards. We ensure all recruitment processes align with government regulations, security requirements, and procurement frameworks.
  3. Pre-Vetted, Security-Cleared Talent Pool:
    Access a ready-to-deploy network of IT professionals, including SC and DV-cleared candidates. This eliminates clearance delays and allows you to onboard skilled specialists quickly for high-security environments.
  4. Deep Technical Understanding:
    Our technical consultancy capability ensures your requirements are fully defined and accurately matched, saving time and improving the quality of hires across data, cyber, and infrastructure projects.
  5. Proven Track Record in Public Sector Transformation:
    From the NHS to local councils and central government departments, we’ve supported hundreds of programmes that required rapid access to niche technical talent to deliver on time and within budget.

Powering a Skilled, Secure Public Sector

The UK’s ambition to become a digital-first government depends on bridging the skills gap, not just through policy, but through partnerships that bring together expertise, agility, and understanding of the public sector’s unique challenges.

At Certes IT Recruitment, we connect you with pre-cleared, specialist IT professionals and enable you to deliver on your mission with confidence, security, and speed.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just transforming products and services, it’s reshaping the very fabric of IT work. Across software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT service management, AI is changing how tasks are performed and what skills are in demand.

For employers and IT professionals alike, the challenge is clear: adapt, upskill, and rethink what an IT career looks like in the age of AI.

 

AI and the Shifting IT Job Market

According to the Indeed 2025 Tech Talent Report, overall tech job postings are down 36% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Demand for junior and mid-level IT professionals has dropped the most, while roles focused on AI integration, governance, and data security are on the rise.

This is creating a new kind of talent mismatch: fewer traditional developer roles, but growing demand for professionals who can manage, optimise, and collaborate with AI systems.

“Routine coding tasks are increasingly automated,” says Linsey Fagan, Global Client Strategist at Indeed. “Employers are looking for people who can integrate AI tools, oversee quality, and scale intelligent systems. The entry point into tech has fundamentally changed.”

 

Redefining Roles Across the IT Spectrum

Generative AI is impacting every level of IT work. As Manu Sood, SVP of Technology at AvidXchange, puts it:

“Every single level of software engineering as we know it today is going to change.”

Where junior developers once focused on boilerplate code or debugging, these tasks are now handled by AI assistants. New expectations are emerging, junior engineers need to demonstrate problem framing, critical thinking, and the ability to validate AI output.

Indeed’s data shows that 37% of IT professionals say their role has already been redefined due to generative AI, with over half (52%) reporting role reshuffles within their organisation.

For employers, this makes transparency and communication critical. Even when layoffs aren’t planned, unclear messaging around AI adoption can drive skilled employees to look elsewhere.

 

Upskilling: From Optional to Essential

AI may be automating tasks, but it’s also creating opportunities for those prepared to learn.

More than 64% of IT professionals say they feel moderate to high pressure to upskill. Yet a third feel their current employer isn’t providing enough training.

For IT leaders, that means building a culture of experimentation where employees can safely test, learn, and grow with AI, not fear it.

 

What This Means for Employers and Candidates

At Certes IT Recruitment, we’re seeing the same trends play out across the UK:

  • AI-related skills are becoming core to every IT role, not just data science or ML engineering.
  • Employers must redesign job descriptions to focus on problem-solving, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Training and mentorship are now key retention tools, not just perks.
  • Candidates who demonstrate curiosity and an appetite for continuous learning are standing out most in today’s job market.

The organisations that win long-term will be those that use AI to amplify people, not replace them.

 

Certes Insight

As AI reshapes IT roles, the best strategy is balance:

  • Use AI to boost productivity, but reinvest the gains into developing your people.
  • Encourage adaptability and inclusion, so every generation in your workforce feels equipped for the AI era.
  • Work with recruitment partners who understand both the technology and the human side of transformation.

At Certes, we help organisations identify and attract AI-ready talent, and support professionals looking to evolve their careers in a rapidly changing landscape.

 

Want to future-proof your IT team?

Let’s talk about how Certes can help you build a workforce ready for the AI-driven decade ahead.

Contact Certes IT Recruitment

The UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has conducted specialised tests to assess the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI) models could launch and coordinate automated cyberattacks. The move comes amid growing concerns about the increasing role of AI in both cyber offence and defence.

According to a commercial notice, DSIT awarded a contract around the end of 2024 to Rethink Priorities, a California-based policy and research think tank. The contract involves running “capture the flag” (CTF) exercises behind closed doors. These exercises, common in cybersecurity, are designed to test the ability of individuals or systems to find deliberately hidden vulnerabilities in software programs, networks, or websites. In this case, DSIT’s engagement specifically aimed to examine AI and other automated systems’ capabilities in conducting cyber assaults.

“Capture the flag evaluations are a useful automated method of testing AI models’ capabilities in executing cyberattacks,” the notice states. “The team requires the design and building of CTF evaluations that specifically assess the individual capabilities an AI model would need to exhibit to conduct an offensive cyberattack.”

While such research could provide insights into potential attacker tactics, earlier DSIT findings suggested caution. Cyber red teams (groups simulating attackers to test organisational defences) remain “deeply sceptical” of AI’s current ability to enhance cyber defence.

These findings are reinforced by a recent assessment from the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which highlights the impact of AI on cyber threats between now and 2027. The NCSC’s analysis warns that AI will almost certainly make elements of cyber intrusion operations more effective and efficient, leading to increased frequency and intensity of attacks.

Key judgements from the NCSC include:

  • AI is likely to enhance vulnerability research and exploit development, enabling adversaries to identify and exploit flaws faster than ever.

  • A digital divide will emerge between systems that keep pace with AI-enabled threats and those that remain more vulnerable.

  • By 2027, advanced threat actors may increasingly leverage AI automation to improve evasion, scalability, and precision in attacks, though fully automated end-to-end cyberattacks remain unlikely.

  • The growing incorporation of AI into critical national infrastructure (CNI) increases the attack surface, making robust cyber defences crucial.

  • Proliferation of AI-enabled cyber tools will expand access to sophisticated intrusion capabilities across both state and non-state actors.

The assessment also warns that insufficient cybersecurity in AI deployment (including rushed releases, insecure data handling, and poor system configuration) will increase opportunities for misuse by cyber criminals and state-linked actors.

DSIT’s CTF exercises and related research aim to provide a deeper understanding of these evolving threats. By assessing AI’s offensive capabilities, the department hopes to inform defensive strategies, strengthen resilience across critical systems, and anticipate the challenges posed by AI-enabled cyber operations.

As AI technology continues to develop rapidly, the combination of government testing and professional guidance from bodies like the NCSC will be critical to maintaining a secure digital environment. The assessment underscores a stark reality: keeping pace with frontier AI cyber developments will almost certainly be essential to national and organisational resilience for the decade to come.

Certes IT Completes Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Raising Over £3,000 for the Forces Employment Charity

A determined team from Certes IT Service Solutions has successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £3,000 in support of the Forces Employment Charity.

The ten-strong group of colleagues tackled the demanding 24-mile route across the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, completing the challenge within 12 hours. The experience tested every aspect of their physical endurance and mental resilience, all in the name of supporting veterans and their families.

Supporting the Armed Forces Community

Funds raised by the Certes team will help the Forces Employment Charity continue its vital work, providing tailored support to members of the Armed Forces community as they transition into civilian life. Since 1885, the charity has offered one-to-one guidance with career planning, job matching, training, CV writing and interview preparation.

 

Alistair Halliday, CEO of the Forces Employment Charity, said:

“Attempting three mountains in just 12 hours is no easy feat! We’re incredibly grateful to the team from Certes IT Service Solutions for undertaking the Three Yorkshire Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Forces Employment Charity.

“For over 140 years, we have helped the Armed Forces community succeed beyond service, building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Thanks to fundraisers like the Certes team, we can continue supporting those who need us.”

Veterans Supporting Veterans

What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that four members of the Certes team are themselves ex-military. Certes proudly employs only ex-Forces project managers, recognising the leadership, discipline and resilience they bring to technology delivery.

Craig Fitzsimmons, Project Manager and former Regimental Sergeant Major, reflected on the experience:

“Crossing that final summit was an incredible moment. Every step reminded us why we were there; to help others from the Forces community build their futures. As a veteran, I know how challenging it can be to find the right path after leaving the military. Supporting the Forces Employment Charity means a lot to me personally, and I’m proud of what our team achieved together.”

A Lasting Impact

The funds raised will help veterans secure meaningful employment, regain their sense of purpose, and strengthen their families’ futures. Certes IT Service Solutions extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the challenge through donations, encouragement and messages of support.

It’s not too late to contribute. Donations to the Forces Employment Charity can still be made: DONATE NOW