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Frequently asked questions

What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

There is no single agreed-upon definition of AI. It is an umbrella term that includes a broad field of evolving technologies with various approaches and applications. Given the rapid developments in AI technologies and the varied working definitions of AI, how AI is classified and understood will continue to change.

However, Socitm uses the definition of AI published in the AI Playbook for the UK Government (as of February 2025), which is the OECD’s definition of AI (which was originally coined in 2019 and revised and republished in March 2024):

“An AI system is a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.”

Find more detailed explanations and glossaries of AI below: 

How is AI being applied across the public sector?

Organisations like yours are using AI to perform the following tasks (and more): 

  • Meeting notes and actions 
  • Contact centre agent wrap up 
  • Day planning 
  • Data sharing 
  • Headline topics for cabinet 
  • Accessibility 
  • Replying to legal complaints 
  • Writing reports based on templates 
  • Creating training materials 
  • Case chronology 
  • Workforce data analysis 
  • Project management 
  • Traffic management and transportation 

What do our members say?

“AI is a rapidly evolving technology revolutionising the way we live, work, and play. It is sweeping through the public sector, and while we at Socitm are embracing it and positive about its potential, we keep aware of the associated risks and ethical considerations.”

Kurt Frary, Head of IT and CTO, Norfolk County Council; Socitm President

“The Socitm AI policy served as a crucial starting point for us. Without it, we would have been starting from scratch. We adapted and aligned it with our existing governance processes and policies… It not only helped us build a robust framework but also enabled us to tailor it to our specific needs. This understanding was crucial in advancing our AI initiatives.”

Kevin Woodcock, ICT Strategic Solutions and Systems Manager, East Riding Council

“We’re looking to use the Socitm [generative AI usage] policy which is absolutely perfect for a starting policy. Why reinvent the wheel?”

Tracy Ledwidge, ICT Operational Delivery Manager, Coventry City Council