Derby’s AI Innovation Referenced in the House of Lords

Derby City Council’s pioneering work using AI to transform public services was recently referenced in a House of Lords debate, highlighting how local government innovation is helping to shape the national conversation on responsible and inclusive AI adoption in the public sector. 

During the debate, The Bishop of Derby highlighted Derby City Council’s work, drawing attention to its use of AI-powered digital assistants, including phone-based services powered by generative AI, to streamline interactions with residents.  

“Impressive work is already under way to drive technological innovation across local and regional government. Derby City Council was the first in the UK to introduce phone assistants powered by generative AI...to streamline call centre interactions with residents”.

The Lord Bishop of Derby, 15th December 2025  

In doing so, he challenged ministers on how government departments can learn from strong local practice like Derby’s to ensure AI implementation across the public sector supports inclusivity and high ethical standards.  

This parliamentary mention builds on the strong year of innovation Derby has delivered. In a recent Derby City Council news post, Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation, said the Council has moved “from discussing the potential of technology to seeing tangible benefits in the hands of our residents”. He noted that Derby’s generative AI upgrades are placing the city “at the forefront of local government innovation”, helping improve access to services while maintaining strong safeguards and trust - a testament to progress beyond pilot projects into real-world value. 

Generative AI upgrades to Derby’s digital helper Darcie have been central to this work, improving access, inclusion and responsiveness for residents across languages and channels.  

This cross-bench recognition in the Lords underscores how forward-thinking local authorities like Derby are not only tackling rising demand and financial pressures, but also shaping the national discourse on responsible, inclusive AI use in public services. It reflects a growing understanding that safe, ethical AI - grounded in strong governance and public trust - can be a powerful tool for local government transformation.  

Why this matters 

As more public bodies look to move beyond pilots and adopt AI at scale, the question raised in the House of Lords is increasingly important: how can innovation deliver real public value while remaining ethical, inclusive and transparent? 

• National spotlight: Parliamentary reference signals that local AI practice is informing sector-wide debate.  

• Ethics and inclusion: The Bishop of Derby’s question focused on learning from local implementations to maintain ethical and inclusive standards as AI scales. 

• Real outcomes: Derby’s own narrative, backed by Councillor Dhindsa’s comments, shows tangible improvements in resident service and organisational efficiency.

• Delivering public value responsibly: This discussion reflects themes explored in recent ICS.AI thought leadership on responsible public sector AI adoption, which sets out how innovation can deliver real public value when it is outcome-led, transparent by design, inclusive in how services are accessed, and governed in a way that maintains public trust as AI scales across government.

Derby City Council’s experience shows that with the right operating model, governance and leadership, AI can support better services today while informing the standards and expectations of tomorrow. 

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