Join Socitm and NDL for a partner-sponsored 90-minute virtual roundtable exploring how local authorities are moving from AI strategy and experimentation towards practical, responsible delivery.
Designed for senior leaders and practitioners across AI, digital, data and technology, this peer-led session will provide a safe space for councils to share practical experience, discuss common challenges and reflect on what support is needed next.
The discussion will focus on four key areas:
- Strategy, purpose and governance: what councils are aiming to achieve with AI, who is driving demand, and how priorities are being governed.
- Operational impact and service reality: where AI is making a difference to services, staff time or resident experience, and where expectations may be ahead of reality.
- Delivery constraints: the skills, data, legacy systems, technical integration and leadership challenges affecting adoption at scale.
- Risk, procurement and responsible use: procurement, cost, vendor lock-in, data protection, lawful use, accountability, assurance and human oversight.
Delegates will also be invited to explore the differences between personal productivity tools, automation and enterprise AI, and to reflect on how councils can safeguard data, manage risk and demonstrate value for money.
Interest in AI is growing across local government, but confidence and clarity remain uneven. This roundtable offers an open, peer-led environment for attendees to challenge assumptions, raise concerns and learn from colleagues facing similar implementation challenges.
Note: Open to all, not just Socitm members. Registration does not guarantee attendance.
Yasmine Hajji
Research Analyst, Socitm
Gareth Handley
Chief Technology Officer, NDL
