Bexley Council is taking steps to enhance its data management capabilities, aiming to reach level four data maturity with a newly approved strategy.

The Bexley Public Cabinet reviewed and approved the new data strategy for 2025-2029, along with an artificial intelligence (AI) statement, at a meeting on Thursday 23 October 2025. The Data Strategy and AI Statement outlines how the council plans to improve its data maturity and use of AI. According to Ms Forsyth, who presented the strategy, the council's data maturity was assessed at level three out of a possible five, and the initial ambition was to reach level four.

The data strategy sets out three priorities: purpose, process, and people:

  • Purpose: ensuring that the data the council holds is seen as a key asset and is used to its full potential in their work.
  • Process: ensuring that the council has robust and effective data management processes and procedures in place.
  • People: making sure the council has a skilled and empowered workforce who are able to use the latest tools, technology and data analytics to best serve the borough.

The AI statement sets out the basic current principles on the council's use of AI tools. Specifically, the AI statement outlines that any activity that involves personal or commercially sensitive information would only be used through the licensed AI tool that is held within the council's secure system. In using AI tools, council staff are directed to review the output to ensure that any potential inaccuracies are addressed. The council currently monitors the use of Microsoft Copilot within their Microsoft 365 environment through high-level reporting provided by their security monitoring system (SIEM).

The council adheres to the requirements set out in their Information Governance, Data Protection, Information Security and Ways of Working, and Privacy Notice, as well as their Customer Experience Strategy.

Councillor David Leaf, Deputy Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Resources, voiced his support for the strategy, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology, data, and AI to deliver frontline services efficiently. He clarified that AI would assist in decision-making, not replace human decision-makers.

To achieve level four data maturity, Bexley Council will undertake several initiatives aligned with the Corporate Core Transformation Programme. Key workstreams include:

  • Designing and implementing the operating model for Technology, Digital and Data Services
  • Aligning our work to recognised professional standards
  • Developing our approach to data analytics
  • Implementing effective data architecture e.g. Data Warehouse
  • Strengthening our approach to information security and records management.

However, Councillor Andrew Curtois raised concerns about using AI for legal research, referencing a case in New York where AI generated non-existent case law. Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, reassured that AI would not make decisions, and human oversight would ensure accuracy.

Councillor Anna Day suggested the council be more daring in its use of data and AI, and asked if the council could learn from those who are ranked with a four out of five.

The cabinet approved the data strategy and AI statement, delegating future amendments to the AI statement to the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, the Caldicott Guardian, and Information Governance Board.