AI Study Group: October 2024

On 15th October 2024, the MSS AI Study Group had the opportunity to learn from our special guest-speaker. Mr. Julian Tait, the Chief Executive at Open Data Manchester CIC, about the development of principles for collaboration with residents on the use of Automated Decision-Making systems.
The talk focussed on the need for public engagement in the use of Automated Decision-Making (ADM) systems in the public sector. ADM systems, powered by algorithms, offer benefits but also present risks, such as bias and inequality. Public engagement is essential to ensure these systems are used responsibly, transparently, and equitably.
Key principles for responsible ADM use include clear governance, human oversight, transparency, and mechanisms for feedback. Public engagement should be inclusive, accessible, transparent, and collaborative. The guiding values for ADM include human-centred design and fairness, acknowledging the potential for bias in both humans and algorithms.
The principles aim to provide civil servants with clear guidelines, promote accountability, and foster trust. Next steps involve creating best practice use-cases, developing tools for implementation, and evaluating the effectiveness of these principles. The principles are designed to be practical and adaptable, ensuring they can be used both within and beyond the Greater Manchester area.
It was a great evening with the Win-Win: Julian has joined our Society, and we are starting to plan collaboration with Open Data Manchester.