Manchester launches People’s Panel for AI

Providing practical, accessible routes for residents to learn about digital supports self-agency and empowers communities to influence, shape, and lead the development of digital solutions to local challenges.

By providing opportunities that advance digital equity and shift the power of balance for decision-making, the City’s Digital Strategy aspires to empower people from all backgrounds to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to access and thrive in the digital world.

“Manchester’s Digital Strategy is driven by the belief that building an inclusive digital future for everybody in Manchester is not only attainable, but essential for our city’s growth and prosperity”

The panel will also provide a platform for residents to engage with sector leaders and influence conversations around the use of digital technology, enabling providers to develop services with the needs, challenges, and hopes of communities in mind.

The programme is on track to start in spring with a series of free community roadshows, where researchers will explain what AI is, what it can do, and its relevance to people outside of the tech world. Residents with a particularly keen interest in exploring the potential strengths and ethics of AI will be invited to join Manchester’s People’s Panel for AI.

AI-powered products and services

The panel will benefit public service delivery by acting as a sounding board for innovative new research, solutions, and community initiatives. Through accessible information and training, the project will inclusively involve different communities in the development of AI-powered products and services. Panellists will have opportunities to put their training into practice in discussion forums with sector leaders, where they will be supported to raise concerns, share insights, and offer feedback on AI use cases.

The panel will add to the evidence base for participatory engagement in AI deployment, and act as a case study for future researchers and public sector organisations. By providing people with the skills and confidence to thoughtfully question the use of AI in new initiatives, the people’s panel will empower residents to question, debate, discuss, and shape the deployment of AI in Manchester.

“We look forward to working with Manchester Metropolitan University to provide residents from marginalised communities with opportunities to meaningfully contribute to discussions on technology with public sector leaders,” said Akbar. “The People’s Panel for AI will empower residents to influence the use of AI in public service delivery and reaffirms our commitment to creating a truly inclusive and equal city.”

The first roadshows will be launched in areas of Manchester identified through the Digital Exclusion Risk Index (Deri) as facing a greater likelihood of digital exclusion. Training sessions will begin in April and culminate in a panel session in June, where panellists will have the opportunity to engage with researchers and innovators through a shared understanding of the challenges and benefits offered by AI.

“The People’s Panel for AI will empower residents to influence the use of AI in public service delivery and reaffirms our commitment to creating a truly inclusive and equal city”

Through fostering collaboration between residents and the wider digital agenda, the AI people’s panel also contributes towards Manchester City Council’s commitment to developing methods of removing barriers to access for council digital services.

By facilitating a platform for residents to engage in discussions around the use of digital technology, Manchester City Council aims to lead the way in supporting public participation in service development to ensure that digital initiatives align with the needs and values of local communities.