Speaker: Nicholas Smith, NHS Resolution
Abstract: Government bodies hold vast collections of records that document decisions, policies and public services, yet much of their hidden value remains under exploited due to fragmented knowledge practices and legacy information systems. This presentation explores how modern knowledge management approaches, combined with responsible, outcome focused applications of artificial intelligence, can transform these records into a strategic asset for better governance, improved operational efficiency, enhanced public accountability and greater confidence in decision making.
Drawing on practical experience from NHS Resolution’s evolving Knowledge and Information Management function, the session examines the shift from traditional records centric models to approaches that emphasise organisational knowledge, context and reuse. It will look at how establishing clear frameworks for capturing key knowledge, designing consistent metadata, and embedding knowledge capture activities throughout the records lifecycle provides the essential foundations for both AI readiness and exploitation. With these foundations in place, the presentation will illustrate how AI tools with the support of knowledge management can support discovery, synthesis and insight generation across large, complex and historically underutilised records, while maintaining the ethical safeguards necessary for use in the public sector and ensuring compliance.
Real world examples will show how aligning knowledge management principles with AI techniques can streamline workflows, improve established memory and unlock innovative use cases, from surfacing patterns in historic casework to enhancing transparency through richer, more accessible public records. The session concludes by outlining practical steps government organisations can take today to build knowledge management and AI maturity, ensuring that public records are not only preserved but actively leveraged to deliver measurable public value and efficiency.
Bio: I am experienced leader in the public sector with a strong background in governance, knowledge, records, information and project management. As the Head of Knowledge and Information Management at NHS Resolution, I provide strategic leadership and oversees the records, knowledge, and information management functions. Also, previously having worked for the MOD, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and the Department for International Trade. During my career specialising in records and retention, knowledge and information management, governance, setting up and establishing records, knowledge and information functions and identifying how AI can be used with to enhance records, knowledge and information management.