How we use AI safely and responsibly
Our approach to responsible AI
This means:
- Using AI in line with UK law, including data protection and equality legislation.
- Assessing risks such as bias, accuracy and fairness.
- Keeping human oversight and accountability at all times.
- Protecting personal data and only using the minimum data necessary.
- Reviewing AI tools before and during use to ensure they are appropriate.
- Keeping a record of where AI is used across our services, so we can be transparent and ensure appropriate oversight.
We do not use AI to monitor people, make decisions without human involvement, or carry out hidden processes.
Decision-making and human oversight
AI does not make final decisions about residents.
Any decision that affects an individual’s rights, access to services or outcomes:
- Is made or reviewed by a trained council officer.
- Can be challenged or overridden by a human decision-maker.
- Remains the responsibility of the Council.
Data protection and fairness
When AI tools are used, Newham Council:
- Complies with UK data protection law, including UK GDPR.
- Uses personal data only for clear and lawful purposes.
- Uses only the minimum data necessary for each service.
- Assesses risks relating to bias, accuracy and fairness.
- Keeps systems under review to ensure they remain appropriate.
- Updates and publishes privacy notices to make it clear where AI is used in a process.
What this means for residents
- AI will not make important decisions about you on its own.
- Your personal data will be handled securely and lawfully.
- Technology helps services respond more quickly and consistently.
- Council staff remain accountable for decisions and outcomes.
Your rights
We are committed to being open about how we use AI.
Where AI is used as part of a service, we aim to make this clear through our privacy notices or service information.
You have the right to:
- Ask for information about how your data is used.
- Request clarification about decisions that affect you.
- Challenge a decision and ask for it to be reviewed by a person.
If you have questions or concerns about how AI is used, you can contact the Council, and we will ensure these are considered and responded to appropriately.
As technology evolves, Newham Council will continue to review how AI can be used safely and ethically to improve services for our communities.
