AI
How we can build an AI foundation
James Johns analyses the perceived lack of trust in AI technology and says it’s time to take the right steps to making it work for your organisation.
1984 and all that
Forty years from the passing of the Rates Act, how relevant are the provisions designed to give central government control over the governance of local taxation and expenditure, asks Jonathan Werran.
Gauging the benefit of productivity plans
At the least the new Government requirement for productivity plans will give a platform for authorities to show to their residents, and central government, all they have achieved through improving their efficiency and effectiveness, says Abdool Kara.
Taking the PPMA from strength to strength
New president Pam Parkes shares her vision for the PPMA, and sets out the seven areas she will focus on.
Productivity matters
Nicole Wood says the sector 'can and should bring our corporate, digital, people and commercial capability together to answer whether we are delivering productivity and what opportunity there is to do more'.
Gaining skills: Overcoming the barriers in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth's skills and employability strategy will provide a positive, collaborative framework for the council and its partners and It will leave residents well placed for careers that improve their lives and those of their families, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Steering a way through the AI challenge
AI offers so much for adult social care practice, but for all the potential, there are plenty of pitfalls. Caroline Green provides some advice on navigating the challenge,
Deployment of AI technologies must be guided by a robust framework
The local government sector knows the best ways to serve local communities and is best placed to integrate new technology to deliver wider benefits, says Cllr Shaun Davies.
Future Forum: ‘Future is bright’ with AI
The sector has been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reject ‘scaremongering’ at The MJ's Future Forum today.
Daring to care pays off
Integrated Care Boards face many challenges, yet one year on from her review, Patricia Hewitt offers an upbeat assessment and, says Aidan Rave, there is indeed room for optimism.
Choice of a new generation
Now is a pivotal moment for councils to start developing strategies to engage with Generation Z, and in doing so start to rethink the future of local government, says Victoria Evans.
Governing the local AI revolution
A nuanced approach to governance is needed to successfully navigate the challenge of integrating AI within local authorities, say Amardeep Gill and Jonathan Werran.
Lack of AI policies could have 'catastrophic consequences'
More than three out of four UK councils do not have usage policies for artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, according to data obtained using the Freedom of Information Act.
Risk/reward – the AI lessons
The responsible integration of powerful AI foundation models into local government will require a process of continual learning and iteration, says Elliot Jones.
Don’t fall for all the hype behind AI
Natalie Cramp talks to Ann McGauran about some of the opportunities, risks and challenges emerging from the use of data and AI in local government.
Working with Government can deliver real dividends
Collaboration with Government can achieve real results for communities and councils should not be afraid of embracing productivity, says Cllr Kevin Bentley.
It’s time for a ‘big bang’ to fix our workforce
'There is a need to rethink workloads across the public sector, to harness new technologies to do the grunt work while staff focus on the things only people can provide', says Heather Jameson.
Staff shocks
A new report from the County Councils' Network and PwC lays out some solutions to a complex sector recruitment problem that’s worsening by the year, says Simon Edwards.
Dream big, start small
Ann McGauran reports on the Local Government AI Summit, which was aimed at providing the sector with a deeper understanding of the technology’s potential to solve real problems.
Socitm: Public sector services must primarily become digital
Despite extreme pressures on finances and staffing, public sector services must primarily become digital in everything they do, according to a new report from Socitm.