Written Statement: Guidance publication – Managing Technology that Manages People – a Social Partnership Approach

On behalf of the Workforce Partnership Council, I am today publishing Managing Technology that Manages People – a social partnership approachand Using AI at Work – Benchmarking Report on the Awareness and Understanding of AI in the Welsh Public Sector.

This guidance has been co-produced using the ‘Welsh Way’ of social partnership working between Welsh Government, public sector employers, and trade unions. The publications offer guidance for the public sector on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as management tools, as well providing some insight into the current use and understanding of AI amongst public sector workers. 

Welsh Government and our social partners recognise that the use of AI and other emerging technologies are part of the future of our workplaces. It is important that public services and public service workers benefit from new technological innovations, but we must also be aware of and seek to mitigate associated risks.

Our approach has considered the whole process for the adoption and use of AI in public service workplaces. The guidance outlines three critical elements:

• the checks and balances required for the purchase or development of new algorithmic management systems 
• guidance for the responsible implementation of AI as a workforce management tool
• ongoing post-adoption evaluation 

The ‘Welsh Way’ of social partnership is embedded in each of these key elements and has been instrumental in developing this guidance at pace. The guidance builds in the principles of Fair Work and human oversight as key to building workforce capability, whilst protecting and creating jobs.  

The reports are fully supported and have buy in from across our social partners, including the Social Partnership Council which gave their endorsement at their recent meeting in December. 

The Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) is also developing wider advice and guidance to support the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies by public sector bodies in Wales.

With our social partners, we are now moving into the next phase of this important work and are developing a programme of related communications activities. It is important these materials receive the profile they deserve and are fully embedded in public sector workplaces across Wales, for the benefit of public service delivery and public service workers alike.

This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.