Voices from the AI Campus | United Kingdom

Cameron is the Skills and Employment Programme Lead at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council, one of London’s smallest boroughs — where there’s limited funding and no statutory jobs brokerage, the kind of government-backed service that connects job seekers with employers and ensures consistent access to employment support. 

For Cameron, the ‘AI in Government’ virtual community of practice on the Government AI Campus has been particularly influential. What started as a curiosity quickly became a trusted resource — and a springboard for new opportunities.

“Since I joined the Apolitical AI Community, I have also joined the Local Government Association and Mayor of London’s (GLA) AI networking groups…which came from that. Sometimes when you join webinars or read pieces of documents, you think, “Why am I doing this, do I have the time etc.?” Sometimes you have to “kiss a few frogs” before you get the nuggets of gold. By engaging with the Apolitical resources, it has opened up a wider world of like-minded colleagues.”

Cameron uses the AI in Government community to connect with others, validate his ideas and share them, often referring colleagues there as a starting point.

“What I like about the Apolitical articles, resources and the community — it's like the old adage: it's not knowing everything, but knowing where to find it.”

For him, the AI Campus is a source of practical guidance and inspiration, making it easier to innovate by building on others' experiences. 

The spirit of driving participation in existing programmes or resources or adapting for local needs runs through Cameron’s work. In partnership with Accenture UK & Ireland and Stay Nimble career coaching, his team launched Ask Nim for RBK — a public-facing AI careers assistant that is available 24/7 and supports conversations in any language, ensuring residents from all backgrounds can easily find local services and guidance. This tool enhances the support provided by Kingston Employment and Skills Partners, and other community groups and charities. This service adds value to existing support services rather than replacing them.

Ask Nim for RBK is already being used by around 40 people per day, and is also supporting frontline colleagues.

Cameron is now contributing to AI working groups like the UK’s Institute of Employment Professionals and showcasing local innovations through platforms like the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), which is the Mayor of London’s local government collaborative innovation team, and the Local Government Association (LGA). 

All along, the community has been a reminder that he’s not on his AI journey alone.