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      The Government is betting big on artificial intelligence (AI) to drive UK economic growth. For that to succeed, we’re going to need a strong pipeline of talent to bridge the digital skills gap that is rapidly emerging. So, how do we build that pipeline? Universities will play a key role.

      In fact, they already are. Take Milton Keynes College Group. Located in Bletchley – think World War Two codebreakers –its South-Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) is a hub of tech innovation. And it’s dedicated to giving its students the skills that they’ll need to make the difference.

      “At Milton Keynes College Group, we’re acutely aware of the importance of Artificial Intelligence, the benefits it brings and potential risks,” says Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at MK College Group.

      “Working with KPMG to create an engaging programme that enables our curious and inquisitive participants to understand the importance of applying ethics to their thinking has been invaluable.

      The business intelligence and passion that KPMG has included within the modules adds another dimension to the learning experience, bringing real life ideas and concepts enhancing the debates, and reinforcing the value of the content ”.

      Leanne Allen
      Leanne Allen

      Partner, Head of AI Advisory

      KPMG in the UK

      Ready for AI means understanding AI ethics

      Being ready for AI is about more than understanding the tech. There are huge questions that consumers, employees and businesses have around trust. How can you trust the answers AI gives you if you can’t see how it came up with them? How can you be certain that AI is making ethical decisions?

      “We’ve been working with MK College Group as an anchor partner since 2019 – giving its staff and learners access to our experts,” says Leanne Allen, UK Head of AI.

      “When it founded SCIoT, we were keen to get involved – especially with the conversation around ethical application of AI.”

      Working with SCIoT, we designed and developed a Data and AI Ethics Programme. The programme takes the form of a six-week course that explores the need for an ethical approach to data and AI use. It looks at the associated risks and how to manage them, and considers the future world of AI.

      KPMG’s real-world experience makes the difference

      “Our learners now have access to a concise course that really brings home the importance of applying ethics to AI innovation. The real-world knowledge that KPMG brings has been invaluable.” says Indge.

      “You can feel KPMG’s passion coming through in the course. And it’s rich with real-life ideas and concepts, which have enhanced our debates.”

      The programme was launched in 2024. It consists of six workshops that enable participants to explore and understand everything from how to consider the unintended consequences of AI application, to recognising what good looks like when it comes to ethical risk assessments.

      In the end, participants come away with the knowledge and skills they need to manage the risks of today, and the impending risks of tomorrow.

      “The course has given learners the opportunity to question AI and consider the wider implications of its use in a variety of industries. Having KPMG’s experts involved means that students get to see real-world case studies, and question how decisions were made and why,” says Indge.

      “Our participants are getting the skills they’ll need to flourish in an AI-enabled workforce. That’s possible because we’re working in partnership with KPMG. That’s what’s making the difference.”

      The course has proven so successful that SCIoT plans to offer it on an ongoing basis.

      Course available to upskill employees

      Having a pipeline of future talent is going to be key to making the UK an AI superpower. And education providers like MK College Group, working in partnership with industry, are going to be key to that.

      But AI is here now. And businesses need to upskill their existing workforces if they’re going to forge ahead and reap the full benefits of AI.

      “That’s why the Data and AI Ethics Programme isn’t specifically for higher or further education students,” says Leanne Allen, UK Head of AI, KPMG UK.

      “We designed it to be applicable for businesses and public sector organisations, enabling them to upskill their employees on AI ethics. Our KPMG experts can deliver it to any organisation in the UK."

      Learn more about KPMG UK's Data and AI Ethics Programme, or find out how you can get involved by contacting christopher.booth@kpmg.co.uk.

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