Edinburgh social workers have been using an AI programme to help write up reports as part of a trial into the potential benefits of the technology.<\/p>\n
The pilot has been hailed as a success by the city\u2019s council leader, who indicated the controversial technology had been used to help with transcribing assessments.<\/p>\n
Staff used an AI system called Magic Notes during trials, which was designed to assist social workers with note-taking\u00a0and assessment.<\/p>\n
The tool can take notes during case assessments, and help find insights in what was said during meetings.<\/p>\n
Additionally, it can help write reports and other documents based on transcripts or notes from assessments.<\/p>\n
In Buckinghamshire, local media reported that the software saved social workers between six and 11 hours per week, freeing them up for other tasks.<\/p>\n
And in Dumfries and Galloway, it was reported that the tool was able to reduce costs due to the time savings it brought.<\/p>\n
Council leader Jane Meagher also said AI technology was proving useful in other areas of the council, including in the council\u2019s contact centre.<\/p>\n
It is not known what other AI tools the council has used, although a report outlining plans to expand on AI use within the council referenced use of MS Copilot.<\/p>\n
The Microsoft AI assistant has faced some criticism over its handling of sensitive data. Cllr Meagher admitted that the council had to be \u201cextremely careful\u201d in their use of AI.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cSocial workers need to write up casework reports \u2013 but instead of having to do that on a computer longhand, then they would be able to do it using AI.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we\u2019re convinced, and we know that from the pilot, because social workers are saying, \u2018when are you going to bring that in?\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to be careful with AI, extremely careful, and use it prudently and judiciously. But I do think that there will be times when having AI will help staff get on with [their jobs].\u201d<\/p>\n
It comes as the council has published a report detailing plans to expand use of artificial intelligence systems in the council.<\/p>\n
According to the report, set to be reviewed by councillors next Tuesday, work is underway to set up a generative AI policy for the council.<\/p>\n
It says the policy will take into account \u201cgovernance, security, ethical and sustainability concerns\u201d while being put together.<\/p>\n
The report adds that input had been solicited from elected councillors and council staff members, with the Microsoft Copilot AI assistant already approved for limited use.<\/p>\n
Further, it says an ethics board will be set up to consider all proposed uses of AI within the council, and act as a \u2018reviewing body\u2019 for all ongoing AI uses.<\/p>\n
The report itself is an update on the council\u2019s \u2018Digital and Smart City\u2019 strategy it adopted in 2024, which aims to modernise and streamline the council\u2019s technology systems.<\/p>\n
It adds that the strategy is also aimed at fighting poverty and improving the council\u2019s relationship with locals.<\/p>\n
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\n