AI has the potential to transform public services by empowering frontline workers, improving efficiency, and reducing stress. It offers a way to deliver better services with fewer resources while reshaping decision-making, fostering inclusivity, and enabling the next generation of leaders to drive change. By investing in AI solutions tailored for the public sector, we can create a more sustainable, effective, and responsive system that alleviates pressure on workers and enhances service delivery.
- Shmuel Chafets
We collaborated with JL Partners to conduct three structured focus groups with teachers, nurses, and police officers from across a diverse subsection of the United Kingdom. The aim was to gather insights into how frontline public sector workers perceive AI, how they are currently using it, and where they see its potential in their respective fields. These professionals were paired with an AI specialist from Target Global's expert network to explore various use cases for AI both in their daily workflows and their general effectiveness and efficiency.
The Department for Education’s research highlights the overwhelming administrative burdens faced by teachers, with over 70% of respondents reporting an unmanageable workload. This report explores AI's potential to reduce these administrative burden, enabling teachers to spend more time on individualised learning and improving student outcomes.
The September 2024 Independent Investigation into the NHS highlights the urgent need for technological investment, particularly in AI. Nurses are under immense pressure with administrative tasks and staffing shortages, yet AI presents a major opportunity to streamline admin work. By automating routine processes, our report explores how AI could reduce burnout, improve patient care, and support nurses in their demanding roles.
A 2023 review showed that improving productivity in policing could save 38 million officer hours annually, equivalent to 20,000 officers. Police officers are burdened with admin tasks that take valuable time away from active policing. The research reveals how AI can help speed up these tasks, such as report writing and data analysis, freeing officers to focus more on crime-solving and community safety.
This report outlines three key areas where we could make progress in integrating AI into the public sector. For each area, we have provided specific recommendations.
To maximise AI’s impact, it is crucial that we, as investors, prioritise investing in innovative startups focused on creating tailored AI solutions for frontline workers. Supporting these companies can accelerate the development of AI tools that directly address the needs of sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
There is a substantial need for governments to simplify the procurement process for AI tools, ensuring that solutions are customisable and sector-specific. Streamlining purchasing procedures and providing clear guidance will make AI adoption easier and faster for public sector organisations.
Empowering both frontline workers and senior leadership with AI training is essential to foster widespread adoption. By equipping leaders with the knowledge to champion AI, organisations can ensure that technology is effectively integrated and aligned with their strategic goals.
