AI is being trialled in education plans
Alison Stephenson Local Democracy Reporter
06:00, 05 Nov 2025
Cllr Daniel Steel(Image: Plymouth City Council)
Plymouth City Council has appointed its first artificial intelligence (AI) champion to guide its growing use within public service.
Cllr Daniel Steel (Lab, Plymstock Roadford) will be helping to raise awareness of how AI can support better decision making.
The appointment recognises the growing importance of AI as a tool in helping improve efficiency and effectiveness of public service, said the council.
It was recently revealed that AI was being trialled to help the authority reduce a backlog of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Processing plans in a timely fashion has been a priority since an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) visit in June 2023 found widespread failings in Plymouth’s SEND services.
Cllr Steel, who will help guide “responsible, ethical and innovative” use of AI said: “I’m looking forward to working with council colleagues about how we develop our use of a very fast-moving technology.
“I believe AI will be transformative to our economy and our daily lives, but we shouldn’t just let this revolution happen to us – we need to shape it to ensure it serves our needs.
“AI is already starting to transform how councils deliver services and in Plymouth we are taking steps to ensure we harness these technologies in a way that’s ethical, transparent, and beneficial to residents.
“My role will include sharing feedback from councillors and helping to raise awareness of how AI can support better decision-making.
“I’m particularly keen to ensure that as we adopt new technologies, we don’t lose sight of the human side of public service. AI should support, not replace, the relationships we build with residents and the communities we serve.”
Cllr Sue Dann (Lab, Sutton and Mount Gould) whose cabinet responsibilities include information technology said Cllr Steel would bring “passion and insight” to the role.