West Berkshire Council has said it is one of 25 local authorities piloting a new AI tool created by the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI).
Minute is an AI transcription and summary tool developed to transcribe meetings and produce customisable summaries in the formats that public servants need.
The i.AI is part of the Government Digital Service (GDS), within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The team prototypes and deploys AI tools for use across the public sector. Working with the Local Government Association, LOTI and other partners, i.AI is working with local authorities to give them trial access to Minute and gather evidence on public sector transcription use cases.
This builds on the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which recommends a ‘scan, pilot and scale’ approach to public sector AI, and the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, in which DSIT committed to work with local government, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and other departments to define new models for collaboration. This is aimed at improving outcomes for residents and reducing the financial burden on local authorities.
The pilot of Minute is set to conclude in July. The Incubator will publish a summary of the findings of the pilot on its conclusion.
“I’m delighted that West Berkshire Council will be part of this pilot and look forward to the results. If used securely and ethically, artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise how the public sector works,” said Cllr Vicky Poole, portfolio holder for transformation and corporate programme (ICT and digital services).
“Like all other instances of using AI in the Council, this will not be used to make decisions or create final versions of reports. Everything will be created by an Officer but helped by using Minute.”
