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Data charter and AI technologies – Camden Council

Camden Council’s Data Charter was co-created with residents in 2021 and reviewed in 2023. It aims to ensure clear and accessible information on data use.

In 2021, the council published case studies showing data usage, including AI technologies, but received little feedback. By 2023, Camden Council recognised the need for a new strategy to make data use information accessible to all residents, especially disabled, older people, and non-English speakers.

Challenges

The council encountered challenges in collecting and using residents’ personal data, including equality data, for the planning and delivery of services.

Building trust among residents regarding data sharing and usage was necessary, especially given the low engagement with initial case studies on data use during the charter’s development. This required more inclusive communication strategies.

The council also needed to ensure the ethical use of data, particularly with emerging AI technologies and compliance with the Equality Act 2010, which includes the duty to make reasonable adjustments and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).

Approach

To engage better with residents and comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), Camden Council committed to:

  • Providing information about the Data Charter in various languages and formats.
  • Creating materials that explain specific aspects of data use, especially during changes to services.
  • Enhancing the Open Data Camden platform to display information more visually.

Outcomes and benefits

Camden Council is making reasonable adjustments to the way it provides information on its use of data and AI-based technologies so people with different types of impairment can access information on its use of data and AI-based technologies. In particular, the council produced:

  • Accessible communications around the data charter in large print, as well as Easy Read.
  • Animated explainers for social media created in collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute on two AI-based technologies the council uses – machine learning and data matching.

Benefits of the revised charter include:

  • Improved accessibility: Information on data use and AI technologies made available in various formats, including large print and Easy Read.
  • Wider reach: Animated explainers shared on multiple social media platforms.
  • Offline engagement: Printed materials and face-to-face events increased access for those without internet or with language barriers.
  • Enhanced understanding: Simplified explanations of complex topics like machine learning and data matching.
  • Compliance: Better alignment with legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010.

Lessons learnt

Lessons learnt from the project included:

  • The importance of diverse communication channels to reach all segments of the community.
  • Value of simplifying complex technological concepts for public understanding.
  • Need for ongoing adaptation of communication strategies based on community feedback and engagement levels.
  • Benefits of collaborating with external experts (e.g., Alan Turing Institute) for creating informative content.

View original case study article at equalityhumanrights.com