HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has entered into a one-year agreement valued at £146,160 to pilot an artificial intelligence platform designed to create internal communications and staff training videos.
Signed on 30 March 2026, the deal signals HMRC's adoption of advanced technology to enhance staff development and streamline internal content creation.
The move follows wider government initiatives aimed at integrating AI to improve efficiency in public services.
HMRC’s investment in AI technology
The contract enables HMRC’s Human Resources division to use Synthesia, a London-based provider of AI video generation tools. According to official procurement documents, the project is structured as a 12-month pilot under the G-Cloud 14 framework.
HMRC will leverage Synthesia’s capabilities to produce video content that may supplement or replace traditional training and communication materials.
Details of the Synthesia contract
Synthesia’s platform is marketed as allowing users to produce high-quality videos with AI-generated avatars and voiceovers in more than 160 languages.
The company claims the technology saves up to 90% in time and production costs compared to standard methods. If the pilot yields positive results, HMRC is expected to reassess available tools and suppliers before initiating any further procurement or broader rollout.
Aims of the AI video generation pilot
The principal objectives of the pilot include improving the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of internal communications for HMRC staff. The new tool could allow learning materials to reach a wider audience in multiple languages and reduce production times.
An HMRC spokesperson stated, 'We are leading one of the biggest rollouts of internal AI tools in government to support colleagues with day-to-day work, including search, summarisation, and content production. This will empower colleagues to work more efficiently and effectively.'
Government guidance and procurement process
HMRC has affirmed its commitment to abiding by public procurement rules and ensuring value for taxpayers.
The G-Cloud 14 framework facilitates streamlined access to digital services for government departments. Any future expansion of the AI tool’s use will depend on a formal assessment of the pilot and ongoing adherence to public sector procurement standards.
Synthesia’s track record in the public sector
Synthesia has previously secured contracts with several UK public-sector bodies, including Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Bank of England, Nuclear Restoration Services, and Companies House.
The agreement with HMRC marks the company’s sixth public sector engagement, demonstrating its position as a leading UK generative AI provider.
Final Summary
HMRC’s adoption of Synthesia’s AI-driven video production tool represents a significant step towards digital transformation in government administration. The pilot aims to assess whether artificial intelligence can enhance the reach, cost-effectiveness, and quality of internal training and communications.
After the trial period, HMRC will review outcomes before considering longer-term deployment of AI tools across its operations. This development aligns with wider efforts to modernise public services by integrating advanced technologies
For those seeking further insights into digital transformation in UK government, the Pie app offers updates and analysis on tax and technology trends.
