West Berkshire Council is set to pioneer the future of local governance, securing a spot in a select group of 25 authorities chosen for a groundbreaking government AI trial. The council will be experimenting with ‘Minute,’ an innovative AI tool designed to transcribe and summarize meeting proceedings, potentially revolutionizing efficiency and workflow.
Developed by the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, a division of the Government Digital Service within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Minute promises to streamline operations. Vicky Poole, portfolio holder for transformation and corporate programme, expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting AI’s potential to transform the public sector if implemented securely and ethically.
The Incubator for Artificial Intelligence is collaborating with the Local Government Association and other bodies to provide trial access to Minute, gathering crucial data on public sector transcription practices. While the trial, concluding in July, aims to assess AI’s capabilities, Ms. Poole emphasized that human oversight remains paramount. AI will serve as a supportive tool, aiding officers in their work, but final decisions and reports will still be crafted by human hands. This initiative underscores West Berkshire Council’s commitment to exploring cutting-edge technologies while maintaining accountability and responsible governance.