Introducing the AI Group

Shared by Rachel Skentelbery, Chair of the Cross-GSS Artificial Intelligence (AI) group, Deputy Head of Profession at the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In response to the growing uses and popularity of AI, we’ve recently brought together a new Cross GSS AI group to ensure government statisticians have the support they need to navigate AI appropriately.

All departments and devolved governments will have their own work underway in respect of AI use and AI safety, all with their own AI policies. Our work is intended to complement this by focusing on the specifics of learning and sharing better how we can use AI, legally, safely, and ethically across the GSS in the production, dissemination and use of statistics.

The Cross-GSS AI group met for the second time in March, bringing together members from across departments with expertise in AI: Sophie Stewart (Home Office), Stephen Davies (Defra), Caroline Tudor (Ministry of Justice), Karen Tingay and Laura Bates (Department for Business and Trade), and Matthew Davies (ONS).

We have set out some key areas to focus on going forward:

• to understand the current AI landscape within the GSS
• to identify and address gaps in AI use and guidance for statistics
• to establish mechanisms for sharing and updating best practice
• to identify any actions needed to develop AI capability within the GSS

At the March meeting, we discussed the excellent work that has already taken place within the Analysis Function AI group to pull together key guidance that already exists, which will be shared through the Analysis Function website shortly. We also discussed the recent Royal Statistical Society (RSS) article, AI is Statistics, and how we might respond to some of the recommendations within.

The next steps are to review the guidance that has already been pulled together and to set out the gaps we think need to be filled for the GSS. These include things like AI readiness, so making sure we are set up to enable AI to help us and that our statistics are AI readable, and for the scientific testing of AI using techniques such as experimental design. We will report back on that work to the GSS Head of Profession group later in April.

The other key discussion is how we link up effectively with other groups in this space. We already have a link through to the Analysis Function AI group and are meeting with the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), who will hopefully be joining the group at the next meeting. We already have links through to the RSS in place.

We are eager to take this workstream forward and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis. If you have questions about this work or ideas to contribute, please reach out.

Events

Upcoming GSS Community events

Sign up through the GSS LearningHub, or learn more on the Events webpage.

GSS Community Call: Strengthening Skillsets | Thursday 14 May, 10am until 11am | Online

Join the GSS Deputy Heads and guest speakers to learn about developments in the capability space and how you can upskill and support others across the GSS. Speakers include Gemma Brand (Chair of the People Advisory Group) and a panel of GSS volunteers making an impact. 

GSS Deputy Heads drop-in | Friday 22 May, 11am until 12pm | Online

Make the most of this informal opportunity to get to know the GSS Deputy Heads and ask questions around the theme of strengthening skillsets.

Networking sessions: supporting one another to make an impact 

Meet analytical colleagues across government and build connections.

• Thursday 21 May, 1pm until 2pm - open to all AF members
• Thursday 4 June, 11am until 11:30am - open to GSS members

Analysis in Government month | Throughout May | Online

Join sessions from across the Analysis Function this May to learn about our collective impact whilst gaining new insights and skills. There are more than 30 sessions on offer, including 11 GSS members sharing their expertise, methods and successes on a wide range of topics. Spotlight sessions include:

• The Future Statistician: skills, collaboration and impact, with Steve Ellerd-Elliott (Joint Deputy Head of the GSS)
• Trustworthiness under pressure: how analysts protect public confidence, with Ed Humpherson (Head of the OSR)
• Communicating uncertainty in an uncertain age, with Sir David Spiegelhalter (University of Cambridge, UK Statistics Authority Non-executive board member)
• A fireside chat with Professor Kirstine Dale, Met Office's Cheif AI Officer

Browse the full agenda on Eventbrite.

Midlands Analyst Network: Analysis and Policy event | Tuesday 28 April, 10am until 11am | Birmingham

This joint event with the West Midlands Policy Network will bring analysts and policy colleagues together to share perspectives, tools, and ways of working. The session is open to all, with limited spaces. 

The next Midlands Analyst Network quarterly event will take place on Thursday 14 May from 2:30pm until 4:30pm, in Birmingham.

For event locations and invites, please email shannon.doughty@energysecurity.gov.uk. Sign up to the Midlands Analysts Network mailing list to stay informed on network activities.

Should we stay or should we go? Firms' decision on services mode of supply | Thursday 30 April, 10:30am to 11:30am | Online

Join this Research Excellence Series webinar, where Assistant Professor Martina Magli from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich will share her findings using linked ONS data, showing how firms shifted from exporting directly to serving EU clients through local affiliates. Register on Eventbrite.