Issue - meetings

Report for decision.

ORDERED that the adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025 – 28 be approved and that the Head of ICT and Digital has authority to make changes to the policy, following consultation with the Council’s Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), to ensure the policy keeps pace with emerging AI technology, legislation, case law and guidance from government.

The Mayor considered a report presented the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025–2028 which had been developed to ensure the lawful, ethical, and responsible use of AI technologies across the organisation. It set out a clear framework to guide the use of AI in supporting service delivery and innovation, while safeguarding data, maintaining transparency, and ensuring human accountability. The policy confirmed that AI would only be used to support, and not replace, human decision-making and included provisions for staff training and supplier compliance.

The Mayor emphasised the importance of ensuring robust human safeguarding and stated that it was vital for policies and procedures to remain up to date in line with advancements in AI.

OPTIONS

The Council could have decided to operate without a formal AI Policy. However, in the context of increasing use of AI technologies across the public sector, the absence of a clear policy would present significant risks. These include inconsistent use of AI tools, potential non-compliance with data protection and ethical standards, and a lack of transparency or accountability in decision-making. 6.2 Setting out a clear and consistent approach to the use of AI provides a shared understanding across the organisation and with partners. It ensured that AI is used in a way that supports the Council’s digital ambitions and helps deliver high-quality, ethical, and efficient services to residents and businesses in Middlesbrough.

ORDERED that the adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025 – 28 be approved and that the Head of ICT and Digital has authority to make changes to the policy, following consultation with the Council’s Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), to ensure the policy keeps pace with emerging AI technology, legislation, case law and guidance from government.

REASONS

It was noted that having a clear policy to guide the use of AI was essential for a modern, complex organisation. While AI technologies offered significant opportunities to improve productivity, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery, they also introduced risks relating to data protection, ethics, and accountability without appropriate governance. The policy ensured that AI was used in a way that aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, supported innovation, and maintained compliance with legal and ethical standards. By embedding human decision-making and clear governance, the policy provided a basis for the Council to adopt AI confidently and responsibly.