THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• AI Partnerships: Agilisys & LOTI define what makes a trusted AI provider

• Planning Innovation: UK Gov pilots AI tool to fast-track housing development

• Teacher Training Gap: £260m investment urged to upskill teachers and improve SEND pupil outcomes

• Green Policy Push: Councils call for mandatory solar panels on all new builds

• Ethical Tech: BASW demands human rights at the centre of AI in social work

AI IN PUBLIC SERVICES

What Makes a Trusted AI Partner? Lessons from Agilisys & LOTI

There have been lots of media attention on security of data and AI in the news recently with both M&S and The Co-Op suffering data breaches that have potentially impacted thousands of customers. ​We often hear from engaged readers that their biggest concern with AI in public services is the security of data and finding a trusted partner to build and develop AI tools. ​

The UK GovTech team has come across a report written by Agilisys in response to the Using AI Responsibly report commissioned by the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the LGA about what qualities local authorities and indiviuals should consider when seeking AI partners. ​Pippa Barlow, Delivery Associate at Agilisys shares how the team approaches working with councils on embedding new AI tools across the UK! ​

👉 Read more here🔗

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

UK Government Develops AI Tool To Streamline Planning and Accelerate Housebuilding

The UK government is piloting an artificial intelligence tool called Extract to digitise and expedite access to planning data, aiming to cut processing times from hours to seconds. Accurate, rapid data extraction is critical to resolving chronic housing decision delays, supporting the target of 1.5 million new homes. Significant public sector investment signals the urgent need for administrative efficiency and elimination of persistent digital barriers.

EDUCATION POLICY

Call For £260m Government Investment In Teacher Training To Address Schools Crisis

Research from the IPPR and Ambition Institute calls for £260m to fund a national teacher training scheme, asserting that teachers in England receive insufficient training—less than 30 hours annually—despite evidence linking professional development to educational quality, retention, and reduced inequality. Effective teaching, particularly for disadvantaged and SEND pupils, is pinpointed as the most influential school-based factor for pupil outcomes. Immediate investment is urged to address staff attrition and worsening standards.

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Councils Urge Mandatory Solar Panels On All New Homes To Cut Emissions

SOCIAL WORK TECHNOLOGY

AI Must Centre Ethics, Human Rights And Dignity In Social Work Practice

Artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into British social work, raising urgent ethical and regulatory questions around human rights, accountability, and the preservation of human contact. BASW underscores the necessity of co-produced standards, legal protections for human interaction in care, and prompt governmental action to ensure AI advances social justice. For professionals, immediate engagement, vigilance, and advocacy in shaping these frameworks are essential.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️