Labour Party Fringe Event on 30 Sept
On 30 Sept, CDC proudly organised a panel fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, hosted by Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL) at the University of Liverpool. The event brought together a vibrant cross-section of voices from health, technology, policy, and civic life, all united by a shared mission: to build stronger, fairer health and care systems through the power of data and AI.
Speakers on the day
Our panel featured five inspiring speakers: Chi Onwurah MP (Chair, House of Commons Science, Innovation & Technology Select Committee), Prof Iain Buchan (Civic Health Innovation Labs), Helen Cole (Northern Health Science Alliance), Rob Tabb (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority), and Dr Emily Rempel (Civic Data Cooperative). Each offered personal and professional reflections on the challenges and opportunities of a data-driven future. The panel was expertly chaired by Prof Joe Rafferty (The Christie NHS Foundation Trust), whose leadership helped to facilitate a dynamic and insightful exchange of ideas amongst the participants.
A really interesting event with five experts-in-their-field giving their personal and professional perspective on a future enabled by AI and Data. In a complicated landscape, more than anything this was a call-to-arms for us all – individuals, society, politicians, civic organisations, institutions and commercial interests – to step up now and address these challenges and opportunities. The passion and knowledge of the speakers was invigorating, the challenges daunting, but our future with AI and Data is still for us to forge.
– Terry Bryant, One event attendee reflected.
Trust at the Heart of Innovation
The theme of trust ran strongly throughout the discussion. As Chi Onwurah MP reminded us, “Trust is essential for delivering federated data platforms. You cannot tell people to trust you—you have to prove it to them.” Rob Tabb outlined the four C’s essential for progress: Convening, Collaboration, Commissioning, and Communication. Dr Emily Rempel added, “Telling people you’re building trust can seem untrustworthy. Actions are the only way to build trust.” Chair Joe Rafferty closed with a powerful reminder: “More AI needs more emotional intelligence.”
These insights reinforce CDC’s commitment to public value, inclusion, and accountability—values that sit at the core of our innovation agenda.
Get Involved
This is only the beginning. CDC, hosted by Civic Health Innovation Labs, will continue to expand the dialogue at upcoming national events and conferences. We invite organisations and individuals to help shape the UK’s AI and data future by signing the Charter and committing to its principles. By joining, you’ll help ensure that data and AI serve the public good—ethically, transparently, and inclusively. Signing the Charter means putting trust, accountability, and community benefit at the core of your innovation agenda.
For updates on our LCR Data and AI Charter work or to get involved, visit: https://civicdatacooperative.com/residents-assembly/