At the 2024 Solace Summit, held in the vibrant city of Manchester on 17 & 18 October, a wide range of topics related to local government were explored, from inclusion and sustainability to digital transformation and community engagement. The event provided a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing councils today.
While the Summit covered diverse issues, our focus was on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a transformational role in local government.
Our session, held by ICS.AI CEO, Martin Neale, and Local Government Advisor, Dwayne Johnson, titled “Artificial Intelligence – A Truly Transformational Shift in Local Government”, explored how AI can drive efficiencies, improve service delivery, and enhance resident engagement. With over 260 attendees, the event highlighted significant interest in AI solutions and raised key points on integration, ethics, and the potential for cost savings.
Here are some key takeaways from the event from Martin at ICS.AI:
Co-Production and Inclusive Design:
Dr. Khadiji Owusu’s session on equalities, followed by Tanya Ange, President of ICMA and County Administrator from Oregon and Monique Davidson from Horowhenua District Council in New Zealand, stressed the importance of co-production, equality and diversity and involving residents - particularly those from under-represented groups and hard-to-reach communities - in designing service delivery. Dr. Owusu emphasised that engaging these groups often results in better products. The session also touched on intergenerational challenges in accessing technology, highlighting the need for meaningful engagement to ensure all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Ethics, Integration, and Good Governance:
During the session that Martin and Dwayne delivered, audience questions centered around how AI systems integrate and the ethical issues surrounding data privacy. Martin underscored the importance of strong governance frameworks, referencing the EU AI Act, and highlighted the need for shared learning across councils. Attendees expressed interest in understanding the cost implications of AI, including savings and cost avoidance, sparking lively discussions on the financial impact of AI solutions.
Enhancing SEND and EHCP Services with AI:
A session focused on the use of generative AI in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services was particularly eye-opening. Agilisys’ developments in 12 councils showed how AI was assisting case workers in writing Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), significantly improving both consistency and quality. The potential for system-wide integration with health and education systems could lead to further advancements and cost efficiencies.
The Power of Kindness in Organisational Culture:
Kevin Sinfield, Former Professional Rugby Player and English Rugby League Captain’s keynote emphasised the positive impact of kindness, both at an individual and organisational level. This idea resonated strongly with us and the work we do at ICS.AI. While businesses are profit-driven, there’s also a responsibility to embed values that foster a compassionate culture - one that not only serves the bottom line but enhances the well-being of the communities we serve.
University Partnerships and AI Research:
An intriguing session on knowledge sharing and partnerships between local government and universities led to a conversation with Rebecca Riley, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. She expressed strong interest in AI research and leveraging funding opportunities to advance AI-driven solutions in the public sector. This is an exciting prospect for future collaboration.
Ethics and Collaboration in AI Development:
Nadira Hussain, Chief Executive of Socitm, led a session focused on AI ethics and collaboration which sparked important discussions. She emphasised the value of partnering with like-minded organisations to share best practices in AI. As long-standing partners of Socitm, we recognise the benefits of staying close to developments in the market, sharing case studies, and learning from their latest insights and research. This partnership allows us to stay at the forefront of AI developments in the public sector, ensuring we continuously refine our approach and deliver cutting-edge solutions. We look forward to continuing this ongoing conversation and collaboration to drive ethical AI adoption across local government.
Digital Transformation – Room for Growth:
There was considerable excitement around the potential of AI throughout the event, and while most discussions were highly engaging, some of the final sessions on digital transformation highlighted an opportunity for deeper exploration. Attendees expressed a desire for more concrete examples of how technology can effectively enhance service delivery. This feedback points to the growing demand for practical solutions that can drive meaningful improvements in public sector operations.
In Summary:
The summit underscored the growing appetite for AI within local government, as councils actively seek ways to improve outcomes and streamline systems. Many attendees expressed that “the time has come” for AI adoption, signaling a huge interest in moving forward with these technologies. There was a particularly strong enthusiasm for mass AI adoption across all staff levels, as councils recognise the potential to improve productivity and service delivery.
While there were some frustrations voiced around the lack of system integration and the perception that AI could be seen as a marketing tool rather than a platform for shared learning, the overwhelming interest in AI solutions was clear. Attendees were particularly impressed by the demos showcased, which illustrated the practical applications of AI in improving service delivery and creating cost efficiencies.
A strong consensus emerged around the need for ethical AI development, especially in relation to engaging with residents, including vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Many attendees voiced concerns about the limited research available (watch this space!) and emphasised the importance of co-production with communities to ensure AI solutions are both ethical and effective. This focus for inclusivity aligns with the broader demand for government investment in AI, highlighting the need for more robust public sector support to drive transformation.
It was great to meet and have so many meaningful conversations with colleagues from across local government in the UK. The event provided a fantastic platform to share ideas, explore challenges, and collectively push for innovation in AI. Two days very well spent, packed with insights that will undoubtedly shape the future of public sector AI!
As we continue our journey in AI innovation, these insights will guide our efforts in developing solutions that not only enhance local government operations but also prioritise inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical integrity. By embedding these principles, we can ensure AI benefits all communities, including those traditionally underserved.
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