04 June 2025
Over the past three years, the House of Commons has allocated £7.5 million towards data-related staffing and initiatives, signalling a strategic shift to position data as a key pillar of national research, governance, and innovation.
As the public sector accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence — more than 70% of government bodies are currently piloting or planning AI projects — the importance of a robust data infrastructure and skilled personnel has become paramount.
The investment is reflected in a significant increase in data-focused staff within Parliament. The number of employees with “data” in their job titles has risen from 49 in 2022 to 73 in early 2025, representing a 49% growth. Concurrently, the total salary expenditure on data roles has surged by over 63%, from £1.83 million to an estimated £2.98 million, excluding final payroll figures for April 2025.
These developments underscore a wider recognition within Parliament that the success of AI initiatives hinges on the quality, governance, and integrity of underlying data.
“AI is only as reliable as the data it’s built on. The House of Commons’ investment in data roles is a critical step toward ensuring systems are grounded in quality and governance. Without strong data practices, AI risks making poor decisions based on flawed information,” said Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics.
Harvey added that embedding skilled data professionals and fostering a data-centric culture is now essential for organizations aiming to leverage AI responsibly: “those who prioritize data integrity will be the ones who truly benefit from AI’s potential.”
“The House of Commons is leading the way in data investment, which aligns with recent research showing 66% of organizations view data investment as a top priority. Developing in-house data capabilities is vital for the UK to maintain its leadership in science and technology, enabling responsible innovation and safeguarding democratic values,” said Richard Bovey, Head of Data at AND Digital.
Bovey highlighted that building a strong data culture — rooted in curiosity, empathy, and accountability — is critical to translating insights into meaningful outcomes: “by investing in its data workforce, the House of Commons is laying the foundation for smarter, more ethical public services that are both digitally progressive and aligned with democratic principles.”
