Unlocking AI & Data Potential

Richard has been working in the data and AI sphere for over 25 years—long before AI became the buzzword it is today. His background spans from a PhD in machine learning applied to disease diagnostics (including developing a test for mad cow disease) to high-profile roles in financial services and government advisory.

He’s worked with hedge funds, Lloyds Banking Group, and Ofcom as their Chief Data Officer, advising businesses and government bodies on AI strategy and regulatory frameworks.

Now, with Inference Group, Richard and his team help businesses navigate the complex world of AI adoption, ensuring they harness AI’s full potential while mitigating risks and inefficiencies.

Many organisations already use AI without even realising it—from credit risk analytics in banking to fraud detection, customer service automation, and cybersecurity. However, the recent explosion of data availability and AI capabilities (e.g., large language models like ChatGPT) means businesses must be more strategic than ever in how they adopt and deploy AI.

As Richard puts it:

"Suddenly, organisations are thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, I need to do something with AI. I don't know what, but I need to do something.’”

Without a structured approach, businesses risk wasting money, facing regulatory hurdles, and missing real value opportunities. That’s where our AI Maturity Assessment comes in.

The assessment helps organisations evaluate their current AI capabilities and create a roadmap for effective AI adoption. It covers six key dimensions, including:

1. People & Capability – Ensuring leadership and employees understand AI and can leverage it effectively.
2. Data Quality – Avoiding the ‘garbage in, garbage out’ problem by managing data properly.
3. Technology Infrastructure – Assessing whether your organisation has the right tools and systems in place.
4. Risk & Governance – Identifying and mitigating AI risks, particularly as new EU AI regulations come into effect.
5. Operational Integration – Embedding AI into day-to-day processes for maximum efficiency.
6. Strategic Alignment – Ensuring AI efforts align with business goals and drive real ROI.

By addressing these areas, companies can avoid costly AI missteps and focus on initiatives that deliver real business value.

At ModusForce, we specialise in implementing HR technology solutions, such as Dayforce. One of the biggest challenges we see is underestimating the role of data in transformation projects. Many businesses focus on configuring their new system but overlook data readiness and AI integration, which can unlock far greater long-term value.

For organisations considering a new HR platform, investing in AI-driven workforce analytics, or enhancing business operations, now is the time to assess AI and data maturity.

"I've seen so many companies turn on technology without a plan. A year later, they ask, ‘What benefits have we actually realised?’ and they don’t have an answer.” – Richard

The AI Maturity Assessment provides a structured way to avoid wasted investments and set a clear AI strategy from day one.

For businesses feeling overwhelmed by AI and data transformation, Richard offers three key steps:

1. Educate Yourself & Your Teams – AI isn’t just for tech experts. Business leaders should understand its potential and risks.
2. Identify Strategic Opportunities – Host AI workshops to explore how AI can enhance processes, decision-making, and customer engagement.
3. Assess Your AI Maturity – A structured assessment helps businesses determine where they stand today and what’s needed to level up.

At ModusForce, we’re excited to collaborate with Inference Group to bring this structured approach to AI adoption in HR and business technology. We’ll be rolling out the Data & AI Maturity Assessment in 2025—so stay tuned for more updates!

If your organisation is considering new HR technology or AI transformation, now is the time to get ahead. Get in touch to discuss how the AI Maturity Assessment can help you build a future-ready business.

Follow ModusForce for more insights on HR tech, AI adoption, and business transformation. Watch this space—2025 is going to be an exciting year!