Artificial intelligence is already changing the way we work, and local government building services are no exception.
On Wednesday 26 August, VMBSG will be joined by Maddocks Lawyers for a practical online professional development session looking specifically at what the growing use of AI means for Municipal Building Surveyors, building inspectors and council building teams.
AI can offer real opportunities to save time and improve consistency. It can assist with drafting correspondence, reports, briefing notes and even building notices and orders. But when the work involves statutory responsibilities and professional judgement, there are also some very important questions to consider.
What happens when AI gets it wrong? Who is accountable for the information it produces? What information can safely be entered into an AI tool? What are the implications for privacy, FOI and record keeping? And how should councils deal with AI-generated information submitted by applicants, consultants, builders or members of the public?
A practical look at AI in municipal building services
Presented by Georgia Hunt, Vujan Krunic and Tara Schulz from Maddocks, the session will look at AI from three important perspectives: how it can be used within the work of the MBS, how councils should respond to its use by others, and the governance and safeguards councils need to consider as AI becomes more widely adopted.
The presenters will explore practical applications and prompting techniques alongside some of the less obvious risks, including inaccurate or fabricated information, evidentiary and procedural issues, confidentiality and data security, supplier use of AI and the importance of retaining human oversight of statutory decisions.
Importantly, this isn’t about replacing professional expertise with AI. It is about understanding where these tools may be useful, where the risks lie and how they can be used responsibly while professional judgement and accountability remain firmly with the Municipal Building Surveyor and authorised officers.
Bring your questions
We also want this session to address the real questions councils are encountering.
Attendees are invited to submit questions, scenarios or examples for the presenters to consider. These can be included when registering or sent to the VMBSG office ahead of the session.
Building Confidence with AI: Practical Applications, Risks and Governance for Municipal Building Surveyors
Wednesday 26 August | 11.00am – 12.30pm | Online
All registered participants will receive the recording and presentation slides following the session, with Statements of Attendance provided to those who attend.