Barnet Citizens' Panel 2023 Data use survey findings

As part of the Autumn 2023 Citizen’s Panel Survey, we asked how you felt about the current use of data and the potential future use of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Barnet Council.

We received 416 responses to this survey and the findings have already helped us to understand which uses of data you are more supportive of and where you have concerns about how the council uses data. For example, most respondents agreed that data could be used for public good and for improving council services but there was less agreement that the benefits of using data were felt equally across society or that you had knowledge or control over how personal data was used.

The survey results showed that respondents had strong preferences regarding the levels of trust in how different institutions use data, with the NHS being most trusted followed by other public and third sector organisations. However, trust in services acting on behalf of Barnet Council were low and similar to the trust expressed around private sector businesses. The survey also identified your concerns around the use of AI especially with regards to replacing human contact or the use of chatbots.

We will be using the results of this survey to inform how we increase engagement and communication with residents about how we use data. Especially in light of the developments in the world of AI and the potential of this technology to improve service delivery. Some of the respondents have already been contacted and were invited to join virtual workshops so that they could inform and provide feedback on a proposed refresh and update of Barnet Council’s Open Data Charter which is planned for next year.

A summary of analysis of the results can be found here or to the right on this page