Bournemouth University picks ICS.AI for AI rollout

Bournemouth University has selected ICS.AI to deliver the first phase of an institution-wide artificial intelligence transformation programme. The initial work will assess AI use across professional services and roll out workforce AI tools for staff.

The first phase is intended to create a structured foundation for wider AI adoption, rather than relying on separate pilot projects across departments. It combines a review of the university's current AI maturity with the deployment of governed generative AI tools for day-to-day work.

Under the programme, ICS.AI will carry out an AI Transformation Assessment across Bournemouth University's professional services operations. The work is expected to establish the university's current baseline, identify priority use cases and produce a roadmap to guide later investment decisions.

Alongside the assessment, staff in professional services and academic support functions will begin a phased introduction to workforce AI tools. These include generative AI for routine tasks, access to systems based on institutional policies and knowledge, meeting transcription and summarisation, and team-based collaborative environments.

The aim is to reduce repetitive administrative work and allow staff to spend more time on student-facing duties and specialist tasks that require human judgement.

Strategic model

The arrangement is built around a single platform and operating model for AI deployment across the institution. Bournemouth University said this approach is intended to give it control over data, governance and the pace of implementation as it considers broader use of the technology.

For universities, the challenge in adopting AI has often been how to move from isolated trials to operational use while managing compliance, service quality and institutional oversight. Bournemouth University's first phase reflects that wider pattern in higher education, where organisations are testing AI in back-office and support functions before considering broader deployment.

Gerry Greyling outlined the reasoning behind the project's initial scope.

"By combining immediate staff-facing capability with an assessment and roadmap, we can ensure our approach to AI is both strategic and sustainable, while maintaining full control over our data and the pace of transformation. The initial focus on professional services reflects a deliberate strategy where we can deliver impact quickly, responsibly, and with appropriate human oversight," said Gerry Greyling, Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth University.

The university has about 17,000 students and more than 150,000 graduates across 150 countries. It is ranked 41st in the UK and among the top 500 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

ICS.AI works with public sector organisations including councils and universities. Bournemouth University's project builds on work it has already carried out in other public bodies, although financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

First phase

The initial programme stops short of committing the university to a full multi-year AI overhaul. Once the first stage is complete, Bournemouth University will have the option to move to a broader transformation programme.

That staged approach gives university leadership a chance to assess where AI can be used most effectively before committing to longer-term spending. It also puts early emphasis on governance at a time when institutions are under pressure to show that AI tools can be introduced without weakening accountability or control over sensitive information.

Dr Cris Bloomfield described the agreement as a move away from ad hoc experimentation.

"Bournemouth University is taking exactly the right approach to AI by moving beyond experimentation to a structured, governed transformation. This programme delivers immediate value through improved staff productivity while building a clear, finance-backed roadmap for AI at scale. It's about delivering real outcomes," said Bloomfield.