Decision details

The committee considered the report which updated on the use (and potential use) of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the council. The committee noted the issues, opportunities and ethics that would need to be considered in a local government setting to support the council’s corporate plan.

The committee queried the consultation that had taken place with staff and how informed they were of changes to their work areas and how engagement would continue. It was confirmed that there had been 10 proof of concepts across a range of business areas and levels within the council and over 20 engagement workshops with staff on how AI could be utilised and improve the way in which services were delivered – there had been significant support across the council so far.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor S Gardiner that section 10 of the report be amended to confirm that the policy would be reviewed twice-annually, rather than periodically. This was accepted by the committee as a friendly amendment.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Approve the Corporate GenAI Policy (subject to section 10 of the policy being updated, as set out above) and underpinning governance and related usage guidance, within the context of the background information within this report.
2. Note that SIGG has corporate responsibility for data governance and that it will implement mechanisms for effective GenAI data strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure data accuracy, ethical use and individual privacy whilst ensuring adequate data collection and the means to regulate its use.
3. Note that the Digital Workstream is responsible for maintaining the GenAI Policy and that risks and issues will be managed as the technology matures.
4. Note that IADM continues to manage guidance and assurance to successfully adopt GenAI across the authority and will work with the Digital Delivery Programme to ensure that both AI technical solutions and the underlying information are compliant and secure.