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Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard Hub

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is helping public sector organisations provide clear information about how and why they are using algorithmic tools.

• From: Government Digital Service
• Published: 5 January 2023
• Last updated: 8 May 2025 — See all updates

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) establishes a standardised way for public sector organisations to publish information about how and why they are using algorithmic tools.

Algorithmic transparency means being open about how algorithmic tools support decisions. This includes providing information on algorithmic tools and algorithm-assisted decisions in a complete, open, understandable, easily-accessible, and free format.

The Hub is made up of

• The ATRS template for public sector organisations to complete
• Guidance for organisations completing the ATRS template
• Scope and exemptions policy for mandatory use of the ATRS
• A repository of published ATRS records

The ATRS was developed by teams now situated in the Government Digital Service (GDS). Its design and development was underpinned by extensive collaboration with public sector, industry and academic stakeholders as well as a public engagement study. It was piloted with a variety of public sector organisations.

The ATRS is mandatory for all government departments, and for arm’s-length bodies (ALBs) which deliver public or frontline services, or directly interact with the general public. The scope and exemptions policy, published in December 2024, sets out the organisations and algorithmic tools for which the ATRS is a requirement in more detail. The ATRS remains recommended by the Data Standards Authority for use in the broader public sector.

The Blueprint for Modern Digital Government published in January 2025 stated that government would ‘enhance transparency by building on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard to increase openness about AI usage’. We look forward to continuing to enhance and iterate the ATRS and encourage its use across the public sector.

Get in touch with us at algorithmic-transparency@dsit.gov.uk.

Published 5 January 2023

Last updated 8 May 2025 + show all updates

1. 8 May 2025

   Updated the ATRS template and associated guidance for public sector bodies, and updated references to Government Digital Service (GDS).

2. 17 December 2024

   Added the 'Scope and exemptions policy for mandatory use of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard'.

3. 7 March 2024

   This page has been updated with a new version of the ATRS template and a link to a new GOV.UK search page for ATRS published records.

4. 5 January 2023

   First published.