The Liverpool City Region has appointed digital leader Tiffany St James as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer, a pioneering role in UK regional government. The appointment supports Mayor Steve Rotheram's strategy to position the region as a global hub for ethical AI development and application.
Key Takeaways
- Tiffany St James has been named the Liverpool City Region's inaugural Chief AI Officer, the first such position in UK regional government.
- The role involves leading a new taskforce to guide the ethical use of AI across public services like healthcare, transport, and education.
- This appointment aligns with the region's 'AI for Good' initiative and follows major tech investments, including a Kyndryl AI hub set to create up to 1,000 jobs.
- St James brings extensive experience from roles in national government, collaborations with tech leaders like Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and her position on the Global AI Council.
A Landmark Appointment for Regional Government
Tiffany St James will spearhead the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into public services. Her primary mandate is to ensure that AI is developed and deployed ethically, focusing on projects that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
This new position is a direct outcome of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s long-term vision to make the region a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The goal is to harness the power of AI not just for economic growth, but to improve the daily lives of residents across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.
As the UK's first Chief AI Officer at a regional level, St James is tasked with establishing a framework for responsible innovation. She will lead a new taskforce dedicated to overseeing this transformation, ensuring that AI solutions are inclusive, transparent, and serve the public good.
What is 'AI for Good'?
The 'AI for Good' movement is a global initiative that aims to use artificial intelligence to address major societal challenges. This includes applications in healthcare diagnostics, environmental sustainability, accessible education, and creating more efficient public services. The Liverpool City Region's strategy focuses on this principle, prioritising human well-being over purely commercial applications.
The Vision for Ethical AI in Liverpool
The appointment comes at a critical time for the technology sector. As AI becomes more integrated into society, questions about ethics, bias, and governance are paramount. The Liverpool City Region aims to create a blueprint for how a metropolitan area can adopt AI responsibly.
St James will outline her strategic plans at the upcoming Liverpool City Region AI Summit. This event will bring together global industry leaders, academic experts, and local businesses to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the region and beyond.
"I’m thrilled to join the Liverpool City Region – a place with bold ambition and heart," said Tiffany St James. "This role offers a unique opportunity in public sector innovation to shape how ethical AI transforms lives, from education to healthcare."
She emphasized her collaborative approach, stating her excitement to work with local councils, regional talent, and partners to "co-create impactful AI solutions that improve lives and help set a global blueprint for regional AI delivery."
An Experienced Leader in Digital Transformation
Tiffany St James brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Her career has consistently placed her at the forefront of digital innovation and public policy.
She previously served as the UK government's first Head of Public Participation, leading digital engagement strategies across various departments in the Cabinet Office. Her early work included a significant collaboration with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, on the creation of the open data portal, DATA.GOV.UK.
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Global AI Council: Sits on the council, contributing to international discussions on AI policy.
- Government Advisor: Acts as an advisor to the Greater London Authority on digital strategies.
- Industry Awards: Named one of the 25 women who shaped the British digital industry by The Drum and a top 100 female tech role model by Business Cloud.
- Entrepreneurship: Co-founded Transmute, a digital transformation consultancy that has worked with major organisations like the BBC, Channel 4, and Google.
Her extensive background in bridging the gap between technology and public service makes her uniquely qualified to lead the city region's AI ambitions. Her work has consistently focused on making technology accessible and beneficial for the public.
Building a Regional Tech Powerhouse
This strategic appointment is part of a broader push to solidify the Liverpool City Region's status as a major UK tech hub. The region has already attracted significant investment, demonstrating its growing influence in the digital economy.
A key example is the recent announcement by US tech giant Kyndryl, which is establishing a major AI innovation hub in the area. This investment alone is projected to create up to 1,000 high-skilled jobs, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and talent pool.
The creation of the Chief AI Officer role is designed to build on this momentum. By providing strategic leadership and an ethical framework, the Combined Authority hopes to attract further investment and talent, creating a sustainable ecosystem for AI innovation.
The focus on 'AI for Good' is intended to be a unique selling point for the region, appealing to companies and professionals who want to work on technology that has a positive social impact. This approach aims to ensure that economic growth is directly linked to improved public outcomes in areas like health, transport, and education.