UPCOMING EVENT

Calling all SEND Caseworkers and EHC Plan Writers!​

Interested in exploring how Generative AI is transforming SEND services? Agilisys has got the session for you! ​

Agilisys is hosting an in person event for SEND caseworkers designed to help you get the most from our EHCP tool, build confidence in using generative AI, and connect with peers across other local authorities.​

📍 Scale Space, White City, London

📅 13/05/2025 | 🕒 9:30 - 11:30am | Refreshments Included​

Please RSVP by 5th May

PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION

AI Deployment and Ethical Governance Transform Local Council Services Across England

Artificial intelligence is being rapidly implemented in local government across England, notably in London boroughs such as Camden and Newham, to address resource constraints and service demands, evidenced by tangible cost savings and improved public services. Despite these advances, ethical challenges, workforce reductions, and a widening technology skills gap persist, demanding sustained oversight. Public sector professionals must focus on responsible AI adoption, bias audits, and skills development to safeguard both efficiency and equity.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

AI Tool To Accelerate Council Housing Planning And Reduce Administrative Backlogs

A new AI tool, Extract, is being developed to automate and expedite the digitisation of paper-based planning documents for UK councils, potentially reducing processing times from hours to seconds. This advancement is vital for alleviating housing shortages, supporting the government’s plan to construct 1.5 million homes, and addressing administrative bottlenecks. If adopted, Extract could also generate significant public sector savings estimated at £45 billion and broadly improve planning efficiency.

AI IN LOCAL COUNCILS

💡How Can Councils Embrace AI Without Compromising Trust, Ethics or Inclusion?​

The LGA and LOTI’s new guide on Responsible Buying of AI is a must-read for anyone working in local government digital transformation.​

Agilisys, with 25 years of experience supporting councils across the UK, has published a thoughtful response. It highlights practical ways to implement AI responsibly — from framing the right procurement questions to involving frontline teams and treating DPIAs as design tools, not paperwork.​

🗣 Ethan, Pippa and Ross from the Agilisys team share what responsible AI really looks like in practice.​

📖 Read their full response here.

HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY

Addressing Four Critical Roadblocks to Responsible AI Adoption in Healthcare

AI adoption in healthcare is often slowed by four common challenges:

1. Limited AI Literacy – Many healthcare professionals lack a clear understanding of AI’s capabilities. Investing in education and training across teams helps build confidence and usage.

2. Data Readiness Gaps – Siloed systems and inconsistent data quality can undermine AI performance. Clean, standardized, and interoperable data is essential for success.

3. Change Management Hurdles – Resistance to new technology, unclear ROI, and workflow disruption can stall adoption. Involving end users early and aligning AI tools with current workflows helps ease the transition.

4. Ethical and Regulatory Risks – Concerns around privacy, bias, and compliance are valid. Establishing strong governance and ethical AI frameworks ensures trust and transparency.

To move forward, healthcare organizations must combine the right tools with readiness across people, process, and data

GOVERNMENT INNOVATION

Digital And Data Challenges Facing Government Transformation And Public Service Delivery

Digital and data capabilities are central to government transformation, but persistent challenges include insufficient skills, fragmented systems, and declining public satisfaction with digital services. Successes in Ireland, Estonia, and Singapore highlight the value of effective data sharing and collaboration. Immediate investment in skills and interoperability is essential.

PUBLIC SECTOR CRISIS

Nearly 600,000 Local Council Jobs Lost in England and Wales Since 2012

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

Using AI Responsibly in SEND Services

We have an exciting upcoming webinar where you can learn about how councils are using AI responsibly with Agilisys EHCP. ​

With the Local Government Association (LGA) and London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) releasing a new resource on supporting local authorities use AI responsibly – there is no better time than the present to learn about how councils can use AI responsibly to improve their SEND and children’s services provision​

📅Wed 7th May, 10-11am

📍Webinar

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Middlesbrough Council Increases Funding For Twelve Critical Local Infrastructure Projects

Middlesbrough Council has committed £74.798m to its 2025-26 capital programme, addressing urgent infrastructure needs such as bridge repairs, cemetery expansion, and delayed community centres, with total funding for the next four years reaching £170.290m. Rising costs and dwindling burial space underline immediate local pressures. Residents should monitor how increased borrowing may affect future revenue budgets and local services.

LOCAL CULTURAL INVESTMENT

Bradford Council Allocates £80,700 To Support Ten Local Festivals In 2025

REGIONAL GOVERNANCE

Cumbria Concludes Public Consultation On Proposed Directly Elected County Mayor

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