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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 2025. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Monday, 17 February 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Research Authority: Artificial Intelligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what purposes the Health Research Authority has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months.

Answer

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.

In line with the Government's commitment to modernising AI usage across public services, the Health Research Authority (HRA) is carefully considering how to integrate AI safely and securely within its organisation.

AI deployment at the HRA remains in its early stages. Currently, AI is not permitted for writing official communications, minute-taking, or analysing personal data. However, to support responsible AI adoption, the HRA is exploring a trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot to help staff make better use of AI while maintaining rigorous ethical and regulatory standards.

The HRA can draw on a range of resources, published on the GOV.UK website, to inform AI usage, for example the Generative AI Framework, the Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework, the Data Ethics Framework, the AI Opportunities Action Plan, and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard. The HRA also has access to the Government Digital Service, part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, for expert advice.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28883
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Artificial intelligence Health Research Authority
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk