AI Readiness in the UK Public Sector
Case reference FOI2025/00115
Received 29 January 2025
Published 6 February 2025
Request
Hi there, We are writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We are conducting research into the UK public sector's readiness to harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in light of the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan. Our research aims to understand the current state of AI adoption, infrastructure, and skills development within UK public sector departments and agencies. We are particularly interested in exploring: * AI Strategies and Implementation: The existence and implementation of AI strategies aligned with the national action plan. * Data and Infrastructure: The availability of robust data and infrastructure to support AI initiatives, including considerations around data residency, sovereignty, and security. * Risk Management and Ethics:Measures in place to mitigate risks associated with AI, including bias, data protection, and transparency. * Skills and Training: Efforts to upskill the public sector workforce to effectively utilise AI technologies. We are producing educational documentary material aimed at informing and supporting the UK public sector in its AI journey. As part of our qualitative research, we are keen to gather diverse perspectives and insights. If anyone within your department would be interested in discussing these topics further, we would be delighted to arrange a conversation. Please select the options in the following survey that most closely align with your organisation.
Response
We currently do not have an AI strategy. There is a draft AI policy awaiting corporate review and approval.
We have not adopted any AI tools with the exception of the built in Co-Pilot provision in M365.
We have engaged with a third party to provide training based on government grant funding to circa 25 people across the council over a 13 month period to develop their understanding of Microsoft Co-Pilot and AI related topics.
Documents
This is Oxford City Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.