Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Governance Compliance
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring us many benefits, but we must also recognise that there may be associated risks and that these must be identified and mitigated.
As with any handling of data, it is essential that any use of AI complies with data protection obligations.
We have detailed guidance on AI and data protection compliance, and any such use of AI technologies must comply with our Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Policy.
Any service using or seeking to implement any form of AI technology in a way that interacts with personal data, must fully assess the use of AI in line with Data Protection by Design and by Default.
Please contact the Information Governance Team at the earliest possible opportunity if you are currently or are planning on deploying any form of AI technology for personal data processing activities.
The best way to do so is to visit our Personal Data Sharing intranet page and completing the personal data sharing e-form. Alternatively contact informationgovernance@lancashire.gov.uk and we can support you with your project.
Managing change together – future programmes
We know that how we manage and communicate change is really important to you.
We are also committed to delivering the best services and outcomes for our residents.
The future will bring challenges but also many opportunities to provide even better services right across Lancashire.
Many changes are underway and in some cases are already embedded in our services.
The challenge is to now get to a position where this is more consistent across our organisation, as we act as one council, and this becomes the way we do things.
With that in mind, we have started taking a more coordinated approach to change and have invested in a new Change Service.
We are now ready to share our approach to major change programmes and update you with information on what the change portfolio includes.
This portfolio will evolve as we move forwards through our budget setting and of course as we make progress, and the programmes reach completion.
Keep an eye out for further updates.
Children's social care reform
This week the government announced plans for major reform of the children’s social care support system.
This includes empowering social workers, and all those that work with children, to act against placement providers that deliver substandard care at sky-high costs to councils and focus the system on early intervention.
In Lancashire, we’ve already begun to tackle these issues by investing over £15 million to add 55 more beds to our in-house children’s homes.
Our employee conferences started on Monday 18 November, with the first session taking place at Whitecross Neighbourhood Centre in Lancaster.
Thank you to those of you who attended, it was great to hear from you and discuss a wide variety of topics.
We are sorry that we had to cancel our session in Burnley at late notice due to problems with the heating system.
There is one more session running on Wednesday 27 November at County Hall in Preston, which will be hybrid. We will also be recording this and making it available for anyone unable to attend in person or online.