Embracing AI for Social Good: Barnsley Council's Bold Leap with AI Copilot
Image Credit: Christina @ wocintechchat.com | Unsplash
In Barnsley, a UK town known for embracing change, the local council is pioneering the use of AI to revolutionize social work. Wendy Popplewell, the new executive director, is steering a six-month trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity across various council services.
Testing and Learning: A Journey of Integration
All staff members have access to this generative AI, integrating it into daily tools like Outlook and Word, aiming to find practical benefits and measure the substantial return on investment.
Award-Winning Culture Ready for AI
Barnsley isn't new to accolades, having won two Council of the Year Awards in 2023. It’s this culture of excellence and innovation that makes it ripe for AI integration, supporting a community always leaning into positive change.
Practical Steps Towards Adoption
The rollout involves comprehensive support and communication strategies, from 'Flight Crew' change champions to a Copilot center of excellence, ensuring everyone is on board and informed.
Potential Impact on Social Work
Imagine social workers spending less time on paperwork and more on human interactions. Copilot aims to reduce administrative burdens, potentially transforming social care by allowing staff to focus on what truly matters—people.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
While the journey includes encouraging reluctant staff and continuously adapting to feedback, the overarching goal remains clear: using AI to enhance service delivery and staff satisfaction.
A Future of Possibilities
As Barnsley Council explores AI's potential, they're setting a precedent for other councils, demonstrating that with the right tools and mindset, the possibilities for improvement and innovation are limitless.
