Government and Public Sector news, October 2025

Legal insights, news and events from DWF's Government and Public Sector team delivered monthly to your inbox.

DWF monthly insight:

AI in Government: The rise of public-sector AI models: This article examines the UK Government’s recent partnership with OpenAI and how this represents a significant step in its ambition to be a global leader in artificial intelligence. View >

The new law on the duty of candour is on its way…are you ready?: In this article, we provide an overview of the new law on the duty of candour, outlining some of the key provisions with some recommendations as to what steps you may wish to take. View >

DWF to bring legal AI and human expertise to Legal Geek 2025: DWF’s Legal Operations team provide an overview in this article of what they are bringing to the Legal Geek 2025 legal tech conference as a proud sponsor and attendee. View >

Admission of third-country contractors to Polish public procurement: Major regulatory shift: In this article, we explore a recent legislative amendment which introduces significant changes to the rules governing third-country contractor participation in Polish public procurement, reshaping market access, legal remedies, and strategic considerations for international stakeholders. View >

The future is now: Professional liability risks in the age of Artificial Intelligence: AI is rapidly transforming professional services by streamlining routine tasks to boost efficiency. This article highlights that while legal liability for AI errors remains under review, professional firms must navigate an ever-evolving regulatory landscape through strong governance, close oversight and careful risk management. View >

DWF Data Protection Insights – September 2025: In this article, we provide our round-up of the top data protection and cyber security stories looking back at August 2025, together with practical advice on what we are seeing in practice. View >  

Other news:

Competition and Markets Authority: The CMA has published its response to the Cabinet Office's public procurement consultation. View >

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Digital ID scheme explainer published. View >

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Expert Taskforce recommends locations for new towns. View >

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: North East AI Growth Zone taskforce launched to accelerate jobs, skills and growth. View >

Scotland Office: £25 million UK Government investment in Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport unlocked. View >

Scottish Government: Business Minister Richard Lochhead announced a multi-million investment package is being rolled out this year to help drive Scotland’s high-growth, high-innovation industries. View >

Sector Events 

Look out for details of our upcoming webinars and events: 

Limitations on Liability – 20 October 2025

This webinar will provide an overview of the key issues in relation to the incorporation and construction of exclusion and limitation of liability clauses within business-to-business contracts. The session will also explore the key statutory & common law control on their use within contracts.

Registration link >

Issuing procurement proceedings (from the perspective of an economic operator) – 27 October 2025

This webinar will provide practical advice to economic operators bidding in response to a regulation procurement opportunity on when and how to issue procurement proceedings to protect your interests. It will set out key deadlines, steps to take and the likely cost and remedies available.

Registration link >

Management of Public Contracts in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 – 6 November 2025

In this webinar, our experts explore various new provisions introduced by the 2023 Act which relate to how Contracting Authorities manage contracts, namely focusing on: payment terms; assessment of contract performance; modifying a contract; and terminating a contract.

Registration link >  

In case you missed it:

Navigating data breach claims

This training session focused on data breach claims to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively manage and respond to both pre-action and issued data breach claims.

Public inquiries – the need for candour and public accountability

This webinar provided a timely update on the evolving landscape of public accountability, with a particular focus on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. The session explored how the Bill has been used in recent Public Inquiries to address systemic failings. Drawing on examples such as Grenfell and Cranston, our speakers illustrated the real-world implications of the duty of candour and the ethical obligations now expected of public officials. 

The Procurement Act 2023 - Land deal v public works contract

This webinar provided a comprehensive look at the Procurement Act 2023 and its implications for how Local Authorities deliver major regeneration projects. Attendees gained practical guidance on legal structures that may avoid the application of the Act—such as Grant Funding Agreements, Land Deals, and direct awards—as well as clarity on when Contracting Authorities must comply.

Golden brick and package deal housing acquisitions

In this webinar, Lee Picket, Matthew Johnson and Alex Tolcher summarised what a 'golden brick' or 'package deal' is and explored how these differ from a 10/90 or turnkey acquisition of new-build housing. Our experts discussed the pros and cons, potential pitfalls, tax treatment, and how they interacted with available grant funding.