How is AI Transforming Employability & Public Services?
Our Key Takeaways from the IEP Summit 2025
The IEP Summit 2025 brought together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners to explore the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of work and public services. Here are the key takeaways from the event’s standout keynote speakers –
- Bolaji Olatoye – Demystifying AI
Bolaji Olatoye emphasised that society is underprepared for the AI revolution. In a world where AI is rapidly transforming industries, adaptability is now more important than traditional skills. He introduced the AEE Framework to guide organisations through AI integration:
- Audit – Understand what’s currently happening.
- Educate – Remove fear and open minds to possibilities.
- Empower – Equip people with tools and space to experiment.
AI, he argued, should enrich jobs, not eliminate them. Real-world examples include:
- Omega Health Care: Saved 15,000 work hours through AI, allowing staff to focus on strategic tasks.
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia: AI makes 55 million decisions, boosting profits without reducing staff.
- Lattice (HR Software): Freed HR professionals to tackle more complex challenges.
- Dr. Antonio Weiss – Brilliant Public Services in the Era of AI
Senior Partner, The PSC
Dr. Weiss highlighted the AI paradox: while AI promises to transform everything, its real impact is still emerging. Drawing parallels with past general-purpose technologies like the printing press and the internet, he noted that AI’s full potential may take decades to realise – though its pace is accelerating rapidly.
He stressed the importance of clear metrics when deploying AI in public services. For example, Octopus Energy used AI to enhance customer service, with chatbots now outperforming humans and reducing errors.
- Dr. Nina Jorden – AI Without the Headache
Research Associate, University of Cambridge
Dr. Jorden warned that AI, if poorly managed, can create pressure and reduce autonomy. She outlined common pitfalls in workplace AI adoption:
- Overestimating readiness to adopt AI
- Failing to redesign work processes
- Abandoning projects prematurely
- Neglecting change management
- Not reinvesting freed-up resources
To avoid these, she proposed a thoughtful approach:
Essentials for AI Implementation:
- Define success
- Design for the real-world
- Prioritise staff wellbeing as infrastructure, not a perk
- Invest in skills
- Involve managers in the redesign
She encouraged organisations to ask:
- What problem are we solving through bringing in AI?
- What does “better work” mean?
- Where is human judgment essential?
- What does success feel like for staff and customers?
Her message was clear: Better employee wellbeing leads to better outcomes.
- Kevin Green – Brilliant Public Services
Chief People Officer, First Bus
Kevin Green focused on the human side of transformation. He noted that 85% of business success stems from intangible factors -primarily people. He warned of job polarisation, where middle-tier roles are disappearing, leaving only entry-level and senior positions. This trend, he argued, is contributing to political populism and economic inequality.
Labour Market Challenges:
- Labour shortages – Not enough people, especially among the economically inactive.
- Skills shortages – Over 100 roles face shortages, yet employer training is lacking.
- Talent shortages – Strategic thinking and leadership are in short supply.
He criticised traditional hiring practices, noting that job interviews are poor predictors of success. Instead, he advocated for better testing and alignment between candidate motivations and organisational values.
Only 15% of job ads mention flexibility, despite it being a top priority for candidates. Organisations must rethink their value propositions and ensure they attract people who align with the organisation’s direction.
Final Thoughts
The IEP Summit 2025 made it clear: AI is not just a technological shift, it’s a human one. Success will depend on how well organisations can adapt, empower, and care for their people. Whether in public services or private enterprise, the future belongs to those who embrace the change with clarity, compassion, and courage.
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