Strengthening our commitment to Wales at the Socitm Welsh National Conference

ICS.AI joined public sector digital leaders in Cardiff on 3 November for the Socitm Welsh National Conference 2026, a welcome opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships and explore how technology can improve services for communities across Wales.

Aneeq Star and Dwayne Johnson represented ICS.AI, spending the day meeting delegates and catching up with the Socitm team. With our presence in Wales growing, the conference offered valuable time with the people shaping the next stage of digital public services.

A practical focus on better public services

The programme brought together digital foundations, trusted data, customer engagement and the skills public services will need in the years ahead. Sessions also explored cyber resilience and how technology investment can support meaningful organisational change.

That emphasis on practical delivery closely reflects our approach to AI transformation. Councils need to understand where AI can help, how it will fit into everyday work and how improvements will be measured. Building confidence among staff and residents is part of that work from the outset.

For us, the customer engagement theme was particularly relevant. Making services easier to access starts with understanding the people who use them. In Wales, that includes designing services around Welsh and English language needs, as well as the different ways residents choose to contact their council.

Time to connect and share experience

One of the highlights for our team was the sense of connection across the Welsh public sector community. The conference gave us space to continue existing conversations and meet new contacts, with delegates stopping at the ICS.AI stand throughout the day.

The plenary sessions interspersed with networking breaks helped us make the most of both the programme and the opportunities to meet people between sessions.

These relationships matter as our work in Wales develops. Spending time with local government teams helps us understand their priorities and build the familiarity needed for longer-term collaboration.

Building our presence in Wales

Our attendance forms part of a wider commitment to Welsh public services. We are developing plans for a dedicated Welsh operation, with a new office and investment in local expertise to support councils through AI adoption and implementation.

Our work with Pembrokeshire County Council also reflects this direction. Its planned AI Transformation Programme brings together support for residents and staff, with bilingual access and reduced administrative workloads among its priorities.

Through the SMART: AI Transformation programme, our focus is on helping councils identify worthwhile opportunities, introduce AI with clear governance and measure the benefits as services develop. A stronger local presence will help us work more closely with Welsh organisations throughout that process.

Continuing the conversation

Thank you to Socitm, the speakers and everyone who took the time to speak with Aneeq and Dwayne in Cardiff. We left with new connections and conversations to follow up as we continue building our work in Wales.

If your organisation is exploring how AI could improve access to services or give staff more time for the work that needs their expertise, get in touch with ICS.AI to discuss your priorities.

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