Prev: What’s happening with AI in public services?
Principles for AI in the public sector
UNISON believes that artificial intelligence has the potential to play a positive role in public services, but only if implemented responsibly and ethically. Our approach is guided by these core principles:
1. Democratic participation and worker voice
Public service workers and their unions must be involved in decisions about AI from the earliest stages of development through to implementation and review.
2. Augmentation not replacement
AI should enhance human capabilities and judgment rather than replace them, especially for complex decisions affecting vulnerable people who rely on public services.
3. Quality-focused implementation
The introduction of AI into public services should prioritise improving service quality and enhancing both worker and service user experience, not simply reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
4. Fairness and equality
AI systems in the public sector must be designed and used in ways that do not discriminate or reinforce existing inequalities, particularly given the public sector’s responsibility to serve diverse communities.
5. Transparency and explainability
Public sector workers and service users should understand how AI systems operate and the basis on which decisions that affect them are made.
6. Respect for privacy:
The collection and use of data for public sector AI systems must respect individuals’ privacy rights and maintain appropriate boundaries, especially when handling sensitive public service data.
7. Fair distribution of benefits
The productivity gains achieved through AI in public services should be fairly shared with the workforce and reinvested to improve services.
8. Beyond AI solutions
A focus on evidence-based policymaking and addressing underlying issues in public services rather than relying solely on technological solutions.
