Derby City Council’s pioneering approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been recognised on the national stage, securing two trophies at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards.
The Council took home the Gold Award for AI in Public Services and a Bronze Award for Best Transformation Team at the event, which celebrates the most innovative digital solutions and groundbreaking initiatives driving positive change for UK communities.
In partnership with ICS.AI, Derby has introduced the UK’s first unified AI operating model for local government. This system helps with everything from answering resident questions quickly to helping staff get through their daily tasks faster.
By letting AI handle simple, repetitive tasks, Council staff now have more time to focus on the residents who need the most help. This new way of working has already identified £12 million in savings and created a model that other councils across the country can now follow.
Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation, said:
We are incredibly proud to receive these national awards, which recognise the hard work of our teams and our commitment to modernising how we serve our citizens. By embracing AI ethically and strategically, we aren’t just saving money – we are making our services more accessible and allowing our staff to focus their expertise where it’s needed most: on complex, human-centred support.
We are focused on protecting services, increasing accessibility and ensuring that all non-digital services remain available and fully accessible for all. Through our award-winning partnership with ICS.AI, we continue to set a national standard for how modern technology can create a more efficient, responsive, and sustainable local authority.
This year’s iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards attracted 218 nominations from 88 public sector organisations. The AI in Public Services Award recognises Derby’s commitment to using technology ethically to enhance decision-making and meet community needs while maintaining public trust. Meanwhile, the Best Transformation Team award highlights the exceptional culture and effort of the staff who have embedded these new values to deliver the best possible outcomes for residents.
Martin Neale, CEO and founder of ICS.AI, said:
Derby City Council has demonstrated that AI in local government is no longer about experimentation and pilots alone - it’s about delivering real outcomes for residents and protecting frontline services.
By implementing a unified AI operating model across the organisation, Derby has created a blueprint that other councils across the UK can now follow. We are proud to partner with a council that has the courage and leadership to turn AI ambition into measurable impact.
Derby City Council has also been announced as a finalist in two categories - the Innovation Award and the Digital Impact Award - at this year’s LGC Awards and is a finalist at The MJ Awards 2026, for AI Innovation in Local Government.