Leeds recently hosted a significant event for AI enthusiasts and government officials. A delegation from Barbados, guided by the Global Government Forum, embarked on a study mission to explore the UK’s advanced AI capabilities.
This visit aimed to gain insights into using AI to improve public services, upskill civil servants, and standardise AI infrastructure across departments. With the UK recognised as a global leader in AI, the delegation sought to emulate these successful practices.
Visit Overview
Leeds-based tech consultancy hosted officials from Barbados on a UK tour of AI. The visit was facilitated by the Global Government Forum.
The mission aimed to explore how AI can improve public services, upskill civil servants, and standardise AI infrastructure across departments.
The UK was chosen for its high AI capability, ranking fourth globally.
Key Participants
Among the notable attendees were Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor. They joined the dinner hosted by Hippo Co-founders.
Other key figures included Richard Corbidge, Chief Digital Information Officer at DWP, and Donna Cadogan from the Government of Barbados.
They discussed how AI could digitally transform government services.
Focus Areas
The visit concentrated on three main themes. They were harnessing AI to enhance public services, upskilling government staff, and ensuring a unified AI strategy.
AI’s role in improving efficiency and service delivery was a focal point. Discussions also touched on the educational needs for future AI professionals.
Speakers highlighted the need for responsible AI practices and data sharing.
Insights from Experts
Donna Cadogan stressed the importance of moving from paper-based to digital services. “We’ve been blown away by the amount of information provided,” she said.
Richard Corbidge highlighted the need for international collaboration on digital transformation. He noted, “We need to do more of this and make sure that Leeds and West Yorkshire are on the global map.”
Kevin Cunnington, Executive Advisor, and Katy Raife, Sector Manager, also shared insights on local tech capability.
AI in Public Services
Darren Hutton, Chief Digital Officer at Hippo, explained their vision for AI in service delivery.
Jonathan Bevan from Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust discussed AI in healthcare. He focused on designing tools to support patient safety.
Professor Liz Breen explored how AI talent is being developed at the University of Bradford. She mentioned targeted educational programmes.
Roundtable Discussions
The day featured talks and roundtables on AI’s current use in public services. These also touched on its future potential.
Participants exchanged ideas on AI applications in various government departments.
These discussions aimed to foster better public services through AI innovations.
Local and Global Collaboration
The visit underscored the importance of local and global cooperation. Leeds’ tech ecosystem was highlighted as a key player.
Richard Corbidge emphasised the benefits of sharing knowledge across borders. He called for more such collaborative efforts.
This focus on cooperation aims to drive global digital transformation.
Barbados’ Takeaways
Barbados officials were keen to emulate the UK’s success in AI. They focused on involving young people in innovation.
Donna Cadogan expressed excitement about future collaborations. “We look forward to furthering our collaboration with organisations like Hippo,” she said.
Closing Remarks
Liz Whitefield summarised the visit’s success. “We have a really important role to play in delivering value for citizens,” she stated.
She highlighted the importance of clear goals in AI projects.
In conclusion, the Barbados delegation’s visit to Leeds provided a valuable exchange of ideas about AI in public services. The focus on local and global collaboration promises significant advancements.
This initiative marks a significant step in the digital transformation journey for both the UK and Barbados, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and innovation.
The insights gained from this mission will likely shape future AI implementations, benefiting public services and fostering international partnerships.