No 10 seeks AI adviser as Andy Burnham recruits new policy team
Andy Burnham is recruiting several advisers to fill gaps in the No 10 policy unit, including a specialist on how AI will affect society and the workforce.
No 10 seeks AI adviser as Andy Burnham recruits new policy team
Downing Street has advertised a set of new policy posts, and the search for a No 10 AI adviser stands out among them. Andy Burnham is recruiting a number of advisers to fill positions left open in the Downing Street policy unit, with one role dedicated to how artificial intelligence will reshape society and work. The adverts also give an insight into the biggest challenges and priorities facing the prime minister.
The AI adviser role
The successful candidate will be expected to have deep expertise in the sector and to lead preparations for the impact of the AI boom on the workforce. The job goes beyond briefing on technology: the adviser will act as Burnham's main adviser on frontier AI and on how AI can transform public services.
- Deep expertise in the AI sector is a stated requirement
- Leading preparation for the AI boom's workforce impact
- Main adviser to Burnham on frontier AI and public service transformation
Why the concern about jobs
The role responds to significant concerns for lower-level professional services jobs, in particular for new graduates. Several cabinet ministers have openly expressed concerns about the UK's readiness for the impact of AI on the workforce and the economy, and about unregulated systems. Among them, Ed Miliband used his Labour conference speech on 28 September to warn that there were "daunting" dangers of AI, saying technological advances could not come at the expense of children or humanity.
there were "daunting" dangers of AI
The other hires
Alongside the AI post, Burnham is hiring an adviser with a roving brief across transport, energy, housing, water and the environment, aimed at greater public control over these essentials. That cost of living adviser must be able to "bring challenge and external perspectives into policy development", according to the advert.
An economic adviser is also being recruited to replace Starmer's aide, Minouche Shafik, covering growth and macroeconomic policy. The advert asks for "a strong understanding of the economic, fiscal and political context" shaping government decision-making.
Further posts include:
- A new adviser on Scotland
- An adviser on work and welfare, reporting to the new growth director
- A post covering immigration, security and justice, looking at cross-border crime, exploitation and illegal migration
Timing and vacancies
Many of the roles are still vacant after Keir Starmer's departure, and the new hires will expand the policy unit. Senior sources have said the prime minister wanted to take time to recruit advisers, meaning the recruitment is ongoing and selection is not being rushed.
