TLDR: The City of London Corporation has established a robust framework to ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of generative artificial intelligence across its operations. This initiative aims to enhance public services, streamline processes, and boost efficiency while upholding principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The City of London Corporation has announced the implementation of a comprehensive framework designed to guide the ethical and responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) within its diverse operations. This strategic move is part of a broader commitment to ‘Transform services via responsible use of automation & AI,’ as outlined in its Digital Strategy’s Outcome 4. The Corporation aims to revolutionize its products and services by fully harnessing digital, data, and technology, moving beyond mere digitization to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements.
The framework emphasizes the integration of automation and AI to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and enhance user experience. This journey will commence with identifying suitable processes for automation and exploring how AI can transform workflows. Pilot projects will be crucial for testing these technologies, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to thrive in this evolving environment. Successful initiatives will then be scaled up, embedding efficiency and innovation into the Corporation’s operational fabric.
Key actions under this framework include a thorough review of current business processes to pinpoint areas where AI can enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction, all in strict adherence to the organization’s Generative AI Policy. The Corporation will collaborate closely with various services through a program of digital projects, challenging existing practices to achieve significant time savings through better technology utilization, including automation and AI. A cross-functional team of experts and stakeholders will be established to oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI solutions, ensuring alignment with best practices and ethical standards. Furthermore, a communication plan will be developed to inform and engage staff, customers, and partners about the benefits and challenges of AI, as well as the expected impacts and outcomes of this transformation. The Corporation is also committed to supporting and upskilling its colleagues to make optimal use of new technologies and tools.
Performance measures for this initiative are robust, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. These include tracking the amount of time and resources saved through AI solutions, such as the average hours per week staff spent on manual tasks before and after implementation. The number and percentage of processes automated or improved by AI, and the proportion of staff successfully completing relevant training programs (e.g., on SharePoint, automation, Data Management, and other emerging technologies) will also be monitored. Additionally, the framework will measure the number and percentage of staff achieving certification through digital skills-based apprenticeships, and assess the satisfaction and engagement levels of both staff and customers with the AI solutions via surveys and feedback mechanisms.
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This internal framework aligns with the City of London’s broader advocacy for ethical AI on an international stage. For instance, the Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, has previously called for robust international standards in ethical AI development, promoting ISO 42001, the AI management system. This initiative has led to the Walbrook AI Accord, with 38 countries agreeing to use ISO 42001 for regulation, and the formation of the AI Quality Infrastructure group. The City’s commitment underscores the importance of transparency, data privacy, and mitigating bias, recognizing that AI systems are only as effective and equitable as the data they are trained on. The UK’s pro-innovation regulatory framework also introduces five cross-sectoral principles for AI regulation—Safety, security, and robustness; Transparency and explainability; Fairness; Accountability and governance; and Contestability and redress—principles that are inherently reflected in the City of London Corporation’s new ethical AI framework.
