Data Bites | Helen, an AI chatbot

Ste Sharples, Assistant Director - ICT, Digital, Data and Digital Governance, at St Helens Council introduced us to their AI chatbot, Helen. This is designed as a ‘single front door’ for people to ask questions about all council services.

Ste talked about the importance of getting the data right, and about governance – which includes the public facing AI never having access to back end systems, and creating data protection impact assessments before every release is launched.

Tom Smith delivers his data bites presentation

Local AI, done right

Tom Smith makes the case that while AI is not magic. It requires thoughtful implementation, trusted infrastructure, and yes, good data – but also policy, procurement power, and plenty of collaboration.

Matt in a big screen addresses an audience in the room alongside host Gavin Freeguard

Data sharing in hydrological research

Matt, Environmental Informatics Manager at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, spoke about sharing data in hydrological research and beyond.

Amanda Smith delivering her presentation

Data Service Standards

Amanda Smith, director at Public Digital, on Data Service Standards: showing what good looks like for designing, developing and implementing high-quality data and analytics services.

Elliot Bridges answering questions from the audience

HFEA Dashboard

Elliot Bridges, Senior Data and Insights Analyst at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, talked about the HFEA’s (award-winning) dashboard, which allows users to explore fertility statistics.