Key information
Request reference number: MGLA270125-8955
Date of response:
Summary of request
Copy of requests and responses
I can confirm the GLA holds the information requested within the scope of your request as follows:
Strategy
1. Does the council have an official AI strategy or roadmap?
There is AI policy, but not a full strategy or roadmap for the GLA. We intend to develop one as part of GLA Group Collaboration on Digital, Data and Technology.
2. Has the council allocated a specific budget for AI initiatives in the last three financial years?
There is no AI-specific budget line for the GLA, and instead initiatives around AI applications have been embedded within specific policy areas.
3. Are there specific teams, departments, or individuals responsible for overseeing AI strategy or implementation within the council?
AI strategy and implementation for the GLA is overseen by the Digital Experience Unit, including the information governance team, in collaboration with IT shared services teams in Transport for London.
4. Has the council engaged with external consultants or organisations to develop or implement AI projects? If so, please provide details.
This information is not held at the organisational level, as AI projects are likely to have been commissioned by specific policy areas.
AI Projects and Use Cases
5. Is the council currently using or piloting any AI tools or solutions?
We are looking into AI approaches for specific use cases, such as meeting transcription, consultation analysis, and chatbots.
6. Has the council completed or planned any feasibility studies or pilot projects related to AI?
We are planning feasibility studies around chatbots, expecting efficiencies with information seeking and repetitive writing tasks.
Governance and Ethical Considerations
7. How does the council ensure ethical considerations in the use of AI, such as avoiding bias in algorithms or ensuring transparency?
We want to ensure our use of AI is safe and fair – evaluating use of AI for it’s success, potential biases both pre-development, during and ongoing post-deployment. We want to ensure AI use is transparent – by sharing details of what data and AI models are used through CDDO Algorithmic Transparency Recording. We want to cite when AI is used. AI use should be private and secure – following data laws, equalities and relevant legislation.
8. Has the council undertaken any risk assessments for the implementation of AI technologies?
Risk assessments, including data protection impact assessments, would be undertaken at the project level.
9. How does the council comply with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) when implementing AI projects?
We ensure information governance law and policies are incorporated in project design.
Talent and Skills
10. What proportion of the council’s staff has received AI-related training or upskilling in the past three years?
This information is not collected in a standardised way.
11. Does the council employ data scientists, AI specialists, or other technical staff dedicated to AI initiatives?
This information is not collected in a standardised way.
Infrastructure and Budget
12. What technological infrastructure is currently in place to support AI initiatives (e.g., data storage, computing resources, cloud platforms)?
The GLA’s technological infrastructure is managed under IT Shared Services with Transport for London, and so resources are managed centrally.
13. Has the council faced challenges in implementing AI due to resource or infrastructure limitations?
This information is not collected in a standardised way.
14. Is there a long-term budget allocation plan for AI adoption or expansion?
This information is not held at the organisational level.
Public Engagement
15. Has the council conducted any public consultations or outreach efforts regarding the use of AI in council operations?
The GLA is a partner of London Data Week, an annual opportunity for outreach efforts on use of data (and AI) in London, including in the public sector. It has provided an opportunity for public consultation on projects across London.
16. Are there mechanisms for residents to understand or influence how AI is being used by the council?
We want to ensure AI use is transparent – by sharing details of what data and AI models are used through CDDO Algorithmic Transparency Recording.
Contact Information
17. Could you provide the name, role, and contact details (email address and phone number) of the person(s) responsible for IT or AI adoption within the council?