Delegates will come together in London today to share insights on how the public sector can capitalise on the full potential of data and AI to improve public services.
Public Service Data.AI, which is organised by Global Government Forum and hosted by HM Government, will take place at the Business Design Centre. It is the UK's flagship annual event for civil servants working to unlock the power of data and artificial intelligence across government.
The event will be opened with keynote speeches from Emily Middleton, director general, Digital Centre Design, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Lindsay Mason, chief data officer for the UK government.
UK government leaders speaking at the event also include: David Knott, chief technology officer for the UK government; Jenny Brooker, chief data architect, UK government; Sue Bateman, chief data officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and Dr Tom Smith, director, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
They will be joined by international public servants such as: Ambereen Jamal-Rahim, director of data policy, outreach & engagement, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada; Dr. Iliya Peter Nickelt, chief data scientist, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development; and Ott Velsberg, chief government data officer, Estonia.
With a focus on how the whole public sector can work together to realise the benefits of data and AI, the event also features experts including Ming Tang, chief data and analytics officer and interim chief digital and information officer, NHS England; Stephen Hext, data and AI senior specialist, Newcastle City Council; Martin Waudby, chief data officer, London Borough of Camden; and Simon McLellan, head of data, UK Met Office and co-ordinator for unified data policy implementation, World Meteorological Organisation.
Key discussions on the agenda are: how the public sector is using AI now and potential for the future; rethinking procurement in the age of AI; opening up about data and AI to build trust; ensuring digital investments deliver value for money; and ensuring government has the right skills to reap the rewards of data and AI.
The event programme also includes a series of roundtable discussions for senior leaders to explore specific topics with colleagues from across government and the public service. These roundtables provide an opportunity for leaders to exchange their views and experiences and hear from colleagues tackling similar issues, and the roundtables will cover:
As part of Public Service Data.AI, this year's Civil Service AI and Data Challenge will be launched. Now in its fourth year, the challenge is a partnership between the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, the Cabinet Office, NTT DATA and Global Government Forum. It invites UK civil servants to share new ideas to use AI and data to transform how the government works, from tackling benefit fraud to speeding up doctor's appointments and accelerating net zero.
To take their project forward, the winner will receive £50,000 funding and technical support from NTT Data, a technology company that sponsors the event, as well as backing from the senior civil servants who judge the competition.
Launching the challenge, technology minister Ian Murray said: "Every corner of government can benefit from AI. We're asking civil servants to put their brightest, boldest ideas forward so we can use tech to fix our broken public services as rapidly as possible.
"Whether it's cutting waiting times, tackling fraud or helping businesses grow, this challenge is about unlocking the full potential of data and AI as we continue innovating to boost productivity and deliver our Plan for Change."
Previous rounds of the Civil Service Data Challenge have attracted hundreds of applications from across government departments, with officials putting forward ideas to use technology to optimise prison space and detect modern slavery.
Applications for this year's Data Challenge are open now until Wednesday 5 November.
David Filmer, NTT DATA UK&I's head of public sector, said: "Innovation in government thrives when civil servants are given the time, support and guidance to develop their ideas - and that's exactly what the Civil Service AI & Data Challenge, supported by NTT DATA, is all about. Over the years, we've seen great ideas emerge from civil servants of all professions, roles and grades. And you don't need to bring your own idea to take part: anyone can join one of our project teams.
"This government is serious about unlocking the potential of data and AI, and it recognises the value of drawing on all the talent within the civil service. So if you have an idea for how these technologies could make a difference, share it with us and we'll work to bring it to life."
The winning idea from the first Data Challenge is now being used to map all peatland surface features across England, with findings published online as part of the England Peat Map. Peatlands are crucial in helping to store carbon, hold water to prevent flooding and support wildlife. This mapping helps policymakers see whether they are managing to stop erosion and if efforts to restore peatlands are successful.