The UK’s market watchdog, the Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA), has significantly boosted investment in IT training and development for its staff as it seeks to overhaul its digital processes.

Information regarding this investment, totalling to £250,000, was retrieved via the Freedom of Information Act and anlysed by the Parliament Street think tank, observing the investment of government departments in IT spending and training over the past three financial years.

Between April 2021 and March 2024, a total of 1,281 staff members were sent on IT training courses as part of a strategic initiative to ensure employees are up to date in their skills in the latest technologies amid rapid developments in areas such as AI and cybersecurity.

Between 2022 and 2023, the investment in IT skills training hit an all-time high with £140,096.78 being splashed on 477 staff, in an effort to ensure they were up to date in advanced and specialised skills, participating in courses such as Microsoft Power BI Desktop, Power Automate, and Data Ethics professional.

Between 2023 and 2024, 567 staff were sent on IT courses, 90 more than the previous year, and 330 more than in 2021. Most of these lessons were focused on Microsoft Office Suite products like Excel and PowerPoint, as well as using Microsoft Teams.

The news comes amid the CMA launching a formal investigation into Microsoft’s recruitment of AI staff from startup Inflection, expressing concern around stifling AI innovation through a de facto merger.

The competition authority also signed a joint agreement supporting competition in AI, joining authorities in the EU and US in supporting a competitive AI market.

“It is really encouraging to see the CMA investing in digital skills training and development for their staff,” Dr Adeshola Cole, CEO of Tritek Consulting, commented on the findings.

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“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is crucial for employees to be equipped with the right skills to fully harness the potential of digitalisation. By empowering employees through comprehensive training and initiatives, the CMA is laying a robust foundation for businesses to thrive in the AI revolution.”

Stuart Munton, chief for group operations & technology at AND Digital added: “The challenge in technology doesn’t just lie in keeping up with technological demand, but in continuously upskilling individuals to use them effectively.

“Businesses must emphasise empowering the individual with the right skills and mindset to harness the full potential of tech innovation.

“CMA’s investment in digital skills training and development is a welcome sight and we hope to continue to see government bodies and other organisations prioritising upskilling approaches for their staff to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.”