CMA Splashes £250,000 on Digital Skills Training, amid Microsoft Recruitment Probe

The Competition & Marketing Authority (CMA), the government department responsible for strengthening business competition and preventing and reducing anti-competitive activities, has significantly boosted investment in IT training and development for staff as it looks to overhaul its digital processes.

The data was retrieved via the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and analysed by the Parliament Street think tank, observing the investment of government departments in IT spending and training over the past three financial years.

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.

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.

Responding to the findings, Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, commented: “It’s encouraging to see the CMA setting an example for investment in digital skills training and government departments, businesses and industry should follow suit to ensure staff are equipped to handle developments such as the rise of AI.”

“As part of training courses, organisations should implement experiential learning to give staff hands-on experience with the IT systems they are using on a day-to-day basis. This will empower staff to better their skills while also maximising the use of the software being used, in turn boosting overall efficiency. There is no replacement for learning by doing and using skills labs and training workshops are the best way to give staff the skills they need.”

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

Between 2023-2024, 567 staff were sent on IT courses, 90 more than the previous year and 330 more than in 2021.

Stuart Munton, Chief for Group Operations & Technology at AND Digital commented: “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.”

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

Corporate leaders are under immense pressure to integrate new technologies like AI into their businesses, however more than 70 per cent of executives are struggling to keep up with technology advancements, according to a report from Infosys.