COUNCIL AMBITION TO BE AT THE FRONTIER OF RESPONSIBLE AI ADOPTION

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Wokingham Borough Council is working with Microsoft to fulfil its ambition of using digital innovation to deliver better outcomes for residents.

The council is expanding its use of Microsoft Copilot across the organisation, including targeted training, adoption support and the development of practical AI use cases that can help services work more efficiently.

The council has already been testing Copilot across a range of services. It can support everyday tasks such as drafting and refining content, summarising lengthy information, preparing for meetings and helping colleagues find relevant information more quickly.

By reducing time spent on routine administration, the council wants to give colleagues more time to focus on residents, professional judgement and the work that adds the greatest value. This approach will also help the council respond to growing demand, improve consistency and protect capacity for frontline services.

The programme will explore opportunities for digital assistants and AI-supported workflows in service areas such as social care, housing and planning. Any new use will be tested carefully and introduced only where it offers a clear benefit.

The council is committed to using AI safely, transparently and responsibly. Copilot works within the council’s existing Microsoft 365 environment and follows established access, security and information governance controls.

Colleagues remain responsible for reviewing AI-generated content, checking information and all decision making. AI will support, not replace, professional expertise and human judgement.

Cllr Basit Alvi, executive member for digital and change, said: “Our ambition is to be at the frontier of responsible AI adoption to keep improving how we serve residents. This is not about technology for its own sake. It is about giving colleagues practical tools that reduce administration, improve access to information and create more time for the work that matters most. “We will adopt AI carefully and responsibly. Our colleagues’ expertise, judgement and compassion remain essential, with Copilot there to support them rather than replace them.”

Amanda Sleight, General Manager, Public Sector UK at Microsoft said: “Wokingham Borough Council is focusing on practical AI use cases that can help colleagues save time and deliver better services for residents. With Copilot, the council is helping demonstrate how AI can support public sector organisations while maintaining strong governance, security and human oversight.”