An Evaluation of DWP’s Microsoft Copilot 365 Trial

Research background

In October 2024, began a trial of the licenced version of Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool built into Microsoft 365. More than 3,500 staff across received access to Copilot.

This evaluation was conducted to provide clear evidence on the organisational drivers, expected benefits, and practical considerations of adopting Copilot. It focused on three key measures: how much time it helps staff save each day, whether it improves job satisfaction, and whether it supports producing better quality work. The research aimed to ensure future decisions on investment, training, and policy surrounding AI adoption are evidence-based and aligned with departmental priorities.

Contribution to the evidence base

This evaluation examined the introduction of a generative AI tool in government and contributes to the department's evidence base on how Microsoft Copilot may influence task efficiency, job satisfaction, and work quality. The research builds on earlier reports, such as the Department for Business and Trade's pilot of Microsoft 365 Copilot and the Government Digital Service's cross-government experiment.