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Category Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence , Digital Government , Digital Inclusion

UK Government’s Digital Roadmap: What It Means for Real People — and Digital Inclusion

The UK Government has published a roadmap for “modern digital government” — a plan to make public services more joined-up, easier to use, and better able to meet people where they are. For communities experiencing digital exclusion, this matters: government services increasingly shape access to healthcare, education, benefits, housing, and work.

At IFB Gaming, we welcome efforts that treat digital government not as “new tech”, but as a practical reform agenda: better services, better trust, and fewer barriers for those who need support.

The challenge: great services exist — but the system is still fragmented

The Government’s “State of Digital Government” review recognises that the UK has world-leading examples — but too many successes happen despite the system, not because of it. It highlights persistent issues: fragmented services, manual processing, legacy technology, and data that doesn’t join up.

This is not an abstract problem. The review describes how people often need to deal with many different organisations for a single life moment, and how public services can feel inconsistent, slow, or hard to navigate.

The direction of travel: one public sector, designed around people

The “Blueprint for Modern Digital Government” sets out a six-point plan for reform, centred on joining up services and building a public sector that feels coherent and human-centred.

A key example referenced in the roadmap is GOV.UK One Login — already used by millions across many services — with the ambition that products like the GOV.UK app and One Login could also support simpler access to local government services over time.

For digitally excluded communities, “joined-up” has a clear meaning: fewer repeated forms, fewer accounts and passwords, clearer progress updates, and less anxiety about “doing it wrong”.

CustomerFirst: redesigning customer services (not just websites)

CustomerFirst is a new unit within Government Digital Service focused on modernising the foundations of customer services — using AI and service design to deliver faster, simpler, more joined-up experiences at scale. The initiative is positioned as more than incremental improvement: it aims for organisational transformation, with early work alongside DVLA and learning intended to spread across government.

From an inclusion perspective, this emphasis is important. Many people do not struggle because they lack intelligence — they struggle because services are complex, fragmented, or unforgiving under pressure. Redesigning the “customer journey” is part of preventing exclusion before it happens.

AI: opportunity — but trust must be earned

The roadmap describes 2025 as a year when more promising AI tools began to scale across government, alongside a push to share learning and support responsible adoption through resources such as an AI Knowledge Hub.

However, modern AI also raises trust questions. The roadmap reinforces transparency measures, including publication of algorithmic records, as part of helping the public understand what is changing and why.

Digital infrastructure: cyber, standards, and resilience

The roadmap includes practical infrastructure priorities: improving cyber security capability, expanding vulnerability scanning, and developing common API standards to help systems and data connect more effectively.

This matters because inclusion is not only about access — it’s also about safety, reliability, and confidence. People are less likely to use services they do not trust, or that fail when they need them most.

Talent and long-term funding: the “how” of delivery

The roadmap and blueprint also point to structural enablers: building digital capability across government, investing in leadership and skills, and reforming funding and procurement so that teams can improve services continuously (not only in short cycles).

The “State of Digital Government” review makes the case that digitisation has major productivity potential and that modern funding models should reflect continuous improvement.

What this means for IFB Gaming’s mission

IFB Gaming’s Empowering Futures exists to reduce digital exclusion through practical support, community-led learning, and confidence-building pathways. As government services evolve, our work becomes even more important — because digital transformation must not leave people behind.

We will continue to:

  • support to access and use essential services safely
  • advocate for user-centred and inclusive design
  • build confidence through “safe to try” learning environments
  • partner where possible to turn national ambition into local impact

Modern digital government will only succeed if it is built with — not just for — the people who rely on it most.

Artificial Intelligence , Sustainable Development

Beyond Profits: Unpacking the Triple Bottom Line

In today’s blog update, we delve into a fascinating concept that’s transforming the way we view business success— the Triple Bottom Line (TBL).

This framework goes beyond traditional profit-centric approaches, emphasising a broader spectrum of values. Now, let’s dissect the concept and explore its implications for businesses, institutions and governments aiming to make a positive impact on their communities, economy and the world.

Understanding the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)

The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a framework for evaluating organisational performance based on three interconnected dimensions: social, environmental, and financial. Developed by John Elkington in 1994, the TBL concept proposes that businesses should not only measure their success based on financial profits (the “bottom line”) but also consider their impacts on people (social) and the planet (environmental).

  1. People: At the heart of the TBL is a commitment to social responsibility. Businesses are recognising the importance of fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and the broader community. From fair labour practices to community engagement initiatives, the People aspect of the TBL acknowledges the profound impact businesses can have on individuals and society.
  2. Planet: Acknowledging environmental sustainability is a crucial component of the TBL. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing their carbon footprint, and incorporating sustainable sourcing and manufacturing processes. The Planet aspect recognises that a healthy business environment is intertwined with a healthy global environment.
  3. Profit: While the TBL expands the scope of business considerations, it doesn’t neglect the financial bottom line. Profit remains a crucial factor, but within the TBL framework, it is viewed in conjunction with social and environmental impacts. Businesses are encouraged to find a harmonious balance where financial success aligns with positive contributions to society and the environment.

Benefits of the Triple Bottom Line:

  1. Enhanced Reputation: Embracing the TBL can bolster a company’s reputation. Consumers and investors increasingly gravitate towards businesses with a commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and social responsibility.
  2. Risk Mitigation: Considering the broader impacts of business decisions helps mitigate risks. Companies that proactively address social and environmental concerns are better positioned to navigate evolving market expectations and regulatory landscapes.
  3. Employee Engagement: Businesses prioritising the People aspect of the TBL tend to foster a positive workplace culture. Engaged employees contribute to innovation, productivity, and overall business success.
  4. Long-term Sustainability: Embracing the TBL positions businesses for long-term sustainability. By addressing social and environmental challenges, companies can contribute to a healthier planet and society, creating a legacy that transcends immediate financial gains.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the TBL offers a holistic approach, it’s not without challenges. The TBL framework encourages organisations to adopt a more holistic and integrated approach to decision-making and performance evaluation, balancing economic prosperity with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By considering the triple bottom line, businesses can better understand their overall impact on society and the environment, identify opportunities for improvement, and create long-term value for stakeholders, communities, and the planet.

Balancing competing priorities and measuring social and environmental impacts can be complex. However, the growing acknowledgement of the TBL’s importance signals a paradigm shift in how businesses define success.

In conclusion, the Triple Bottom Line challenges us to move beyond the narrow focus on profits and consider the broader implications of business activities. As consumers, employees, and investors increasingly demand responsible practices, the TBL provides a roadmap for businesses to thrive while making meaningful contributions to people, the planet, and profit.

Thank you for joining us in exploring this transformative concept.

Artificial Intelligence

Differences between Augmented Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, and Augmented Reality

Augmented intelligence, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality are not the same; they are distinct concepts and technologies.

Here are the key differences between Augmented Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, and Augmented Reality:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
    • AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks may include problem-solving, learning from data, recognising patterns, making decisions, and understanding natural language.
    • AI can be found in a wide range of applications, from virtual personal assistants like Siri and chatbots to recommendation systems in streaming services and even self-driving cars.
    • AI doesn’t necessarily require a direct interface with the real world, as it operates in the digital realm.
  2. Augmented Reality (AR):
    • AR is a technology that blends digital information (such as computer-generated images, sounds, or data) with the real world. It overlays virtual elements onto your view of the physical world through a device, like a smartphone or AR glasses.
    • AR enhances your perception of reality by adding contextually relevant digital information. This can be used in various applications, such as gaming (e.g., Pokémon Go), navigation, and educational tools.
    • AR does not necessarily involve intelligent decision-making but focuses on enhancing the user’s sensory experience.
  3. Augmented Intelligence (AI):
    • Augmented Intelligence is the concept of using AI to enhance human intelligence and decision-making rather than replacing it. It combines the strengths of both human and artificial intelligence.
    • AI technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, are employed to assist humans in making better decisions, providing insights, and automating routine tasks.
    • Augmented Intelligence aims to empower individuals and businesses by using AI as a tool to enhance their abilities, such as in data analysis, healthcare diagnostics, and customer support.

Artificial Intelligence is a broad field that focuses on creating smart computer systems. Augmented Reality enhances the real world with digital information, and Augmented Intelligence leverages AI to enhance human intelligence and decision-making.

Each of these technologies has distinct applications and objectives, and they can complement each other in various contexts to create more advanced and interactive experiences.

Artificial Intelligence

Unlocking the Mysteries of AI: A Beginner’s Guide

Welcome back, curious enthusiasts! At IFB Gaming, we understand that diving into the world of gaming can sometimes feel like stepping into a maze of acronyms and technical jargon. One such term you’ve probably come across is “AI”, short for Artificial Intelligence. But fear not, because today we’re here to unravel the mysteries of AI and explain it in a way that even beginners can grasp.

What is AI, Anyway?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like having a computer or a robot that can perform tasks independently, much like the human brain can think and make decisions.

Think of AI as the magical brain of your computer or console. Just like you think and make decisions, AI helps your gaming device make choices and solve problems all on its own. It’s like having a clever sidekick who’s really good at learning from information and figuring things out.

AI is made to learn from information and make choices or solve problems, and it can be really helpful in all sorts of things, like playing games, answering questions, and even driving cars! It’s like having a smart, helpful friend who’s a computer.

AI in Gaming

Now, why is AI so important in the gaming world? Well, it’s because AI is what makes non-player characters (NPCs) act smart in your games. When you’re exploring a virtual world, battling opponents, or solving puzzles, AI controls how the computer-generated characters respond.

It’s like playing against computer opponents who can think and adapt, which makes your gaming experience more exciting and challenging.

AI in Game Design

AI isn’t just about creating opponents, though. It’s also used in designing the game itself. Game developers use AI to craft engaging storylines, create realistic environments, and even personalise your gaming experience.

AI can adapt the game’s difficulty to match your skills, so you’re always on the edge of your seat without getting too frustrated.

In this Battlefield Co-op Gameplay video, the players navigate their way through AI-controlled opponents to rescue an Ambassador
In this video, the players navigate their way through AI-controlled opponents to rescue an Ambassador

AI Beyond Gaming

AI isn’t limited to gaming; it’s a technology used in many aspects of our lives. It’s what powers voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommends movies on Netflix, and ChatGpt, and even helps self-driving cars navigate the roads.

So, understanding AI can open doors to a world of technological wonders.

Getting Started

AI has been around for some time, and it is not limited to gaming only. As you embark on your digital inclusion journey, keep an eye out for AI-powered features, functions and characters.

The more you understand how AI works, the more you’ll appreciate the intricacies and potential. And who knows, you might even be inspired to create your own AI solutions in the future!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates here at IFB Gaming.

We’re committed to helping beginners, academics, researchers, policymakers, charities, and community organisations alike explore the thrilling universe of AI.

So, level up, and remember – AI can be your trusty sidekick in the digital world, making your adventures even more holistic and epic!

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