Latest news with #StephenBoyle
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Now Auditor General stands ready to probe NHS Fife chiefs over their handling of trans battle
Scotland's Auditor General could launch a probe into NHS Fife, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. In an exclusive interview, Stephen Boyle refused to rule out taking a deep-dive into the health board's finances and governance structures. It comes as Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay last night demanded First Minister John Swinney 'sack' NHS Fife's CEO and board if they did not 'do the right thing and quit'. Sandie Peggie, 51, was suspended from her role at Victoria Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, last year after she objected to 30-year-old male-born Dr Beth Upton using the female facilities. She is also suing the Royal College of Nursing union, a fact first revealed by MailOnline in May. Last night, Mr Boyle - who assesses public bodies' value for money as well as their governance structures and accountability - said he would make a decision on whether to probe NHS Fife after his auditors complete their usual reports. Asked about the use of taxpayer funds to pay for legal costs relating to the tribunal so far, Mr Boyle said he understood why the public might be concerned over the spending. He said: 'Without commenting on the specifics of the case... I understand across the piece why the public will want to be satisfied absolutely that public money is spent properly consistent with the roles and responsibility of public bodies who are tasked with implementing government policy.' Probed over whether he had concerns NHS Fife might not be complying with the law on single sex spaces - clarified by a Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by her biological sex in April - he said he would await the auditor's usual report of the health board. He said: 'How I discharge my responsibilities, particularly when it comes to individual public bodies, is through the annual auditors. I appoint auditors for all public bodies, with the exception of local government and they'll conduct an audit of the expenditure. 'In public sector context, we don't just look at the numbers, we also look at governance, accountability and value for money, and I'll await the auditor's report. 'That's something that they will refer to, and it's something that I can then take a decision, as I do in many cases, whether to proceed with a statutory report to the Scottish Parliament on the back of that.' And pushed on whether he will investigate NHS Fife's handling of the case, he said: 'It's not something I have made a decision on yet. I will await the auditor's report.' Mr Boyle's comments come after Scottish Tory leader Mr Findlay yesterday said the tribunal was unfolding like an 'ongoing slow-motion car crash'. He said NHS Fife's chief executive Carol Potter, who earns at least £147,700 a year, and her 'entire board can no longer remain in post'. And he condemned a media statement released by the health board on Friday evening which took a swipe at human rights organisation Sex Matters, which is supporting Mrs Peggie. The statement read: 'Sex Matters have been very active, making statements which it would appear are aimed at steering public opinion in a way that NHS Fife as a public body clearly cannot.' It added: 'There has been significant and very polarised debate on social media regarding the case and associated issues, throughout. In some cases, however, what began as debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland.' NHS Fife later tweaked the release, adding: 'NHS Fife is not seeking to suggest that anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above.' However the move backfired spectacularly, drawing criticism and ridicule in equal measure. Last night, Mr Findlay said: 'In their zeal to embrace the SNP's bonkers belief in gender ideology, they were willing to destroy the career of a nurse and waste huge sums of taxpayers' money. 'But instead of taking any responsibility for their own conduct, they've now resorted to smearing Sandie Peggie and the campaigners who have stood with her.' He added: 'John Swinney, Neil Grey and their SNP colleagues appear to be the only people left in Scotland who think this is okay. 'If the NHS Fife board won't do the right thing and quit, then they should be sacked.' NHS Fife's statement also made reference to a freedom of information battled between the health board and The Mail. However that also caused concern, and sparked a warning from the Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton who said it had cast doubt on its compliance with FOI legislation. In May, he ordered NHS Fife to review what information it held about its legal bill for the tribunal after it failed to supply the costs to The Mail. Earlier this month, NHS Fife published data saying the case had cost £220,500 as of the end of May - although that had soared to £258,831 by the end of June. Mr Hamilton said: 'The petulant tone of NHS Fife's latest statement is quite remarkable, but it is the contents that concern me most. They have now cast doubt upon the assurances they gave me regarding compliance with my Decision Notice.' If the authority had not complied, he said he may 'report the matter to the Court of Session as a contempt of court'. According to the health board's communications policy, Press releases are approved by the 'relevant Executive Director and Chief Executive before release', meaning Mrs Potter was likely aware of the statement. The tribunal battle between the veteran nurse, the health board and the doctor continues. A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Ministers have been clear they have confidence in the board. It would however be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an Employment Tribunal are ongoing.' A spokeswoman for NHS Fife said: 'To date, NHS Fife has had no contact from the Auditor General on this matter.'
Channel Post MEA
14-07-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Kyndryl Microsoft Acceleration Hub Accelerates AI Adoption
Kyndryl has announced the launch of Kyndryl Microsoft Acceleration Hub designed to advance the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerate digital transformation for enterprise customers. Developed in close collaboration with Microsoft, the new Acceleration Hub leverages Kyndryl Consult services and Kyndryl Vital co-creation and technical expertise to explore and support the deployment of tailored agentic AI solutions using Microsoft Azure AI Foundry and Copilot across the Microsoft stack. The Hub will focus on building industry-specific solutions and capabilities, leveraging agentic AI to serve customers more efficiently and help them unlock new business value. The Kyndryl Microsoft Acceleration Hub will tap into existing physical and virtual innovation labs globally, including Kyndryl's new AI Innovation Lab in Liverpool. These locations will serve as collaborative environments for ideation, prototyping, and deployment of AI and digital solutions across industries and regions for customers. 'We are confidently doubling down on our successful collaboration with Microsoft because we know that the combination of Kyndryl Consult expertise with Microsoft technologies is a powerful duo that will help customers reap the benefits of AI, drive innovation and achieve meaningful business outcomes,' said Ismail Amla, Global Leader, Kyndryl Consult. 'Kyndryl's Microsoft Acceleration Hub represents the next evolution of our strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to helping enterprise customers unlock the full potential of AI,' said Stephen Boyle, Global Leader, SI & Advisory Partners, Microsoft. 'By combining Kyndryl's deep industry expertise with Microsoft's trusted cloud and AI capabilities, we're empowering organizations to accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency and achieve meaningful transformation at scale.' Kyndryl will deliver scalable, innovative AI solutions across the Microsoft technology stack through its substantial commitment to skilling its workforce. To date, more than 16,000 Kyndryls have earned over 26,000 Microsoft certifications, which lends to our deep and growing expertise across Microsoft technologies — such as Microsoft Azure cloud, data platforms, security and modern workplace solutions — which strengthens the company's ability to deliver Microsoft-based services to enterprise clients. Kyndryl is also embedding agentic AI into its global infrastructure services and delivery capabilities to help customers fully leverage the Microsoft stack and act with autonomy, goals and decision-making in mind. 'As a customer, we are thrilled about the Kyndryl Microsoft Acceleration Hub's transformative potential and believe it can help streamline our adoption and application of AI and enable better services for our customers,' said Anders Bjørnrud, CTO of Care Safety Innovations. 'The cutting-edge capabilities that Kyndryl and Microsoft are providing will assist with providing smarter and more efficient home care to patients and the caregivers who support them.' Kyndryl recently achieved the AI Platform on Microsoft Azure specialization and renewed its Azure Expert MSP (Managed Services Partner) designation, which is the highest status a service provider can achieve with Microsoft; less than 2% of Microsoft's partner ecosystem garner this designation.
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
'Our teachers are working harder than ever'
I see this first hand through my own children's teachers, guiding and supporting them through exams and making sure they achieve their full potential in their exams. In the face of unprecedented challenges, our teachers have supported thousands of children across Glasgow, and we should be applauding their creativity, dedication, and commitment. Our teachers are working harder than ever to teach the increasing numbers of pupils needing extra support in the classroom. Audit Scotland found around 40% of Scottish pupils are now receiving additional support for learning (ASL), most of it delivered within mainstream schools. I believe that we need to rethink how we approach ASL and, rather than regarding the needs of pupils as "additional", see them for what they are - support needs that a significant proportion of the classroom population have. An approach that reflected this would involve ensuring every teacher is equipped to support kids with ASL - both in resourcing and training. Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: "The Scottish Government has failed to plan effectively for its inclusive approach to additional support for learning. "The report found only about 20% of schools have dedicated facilities for ASL pupils, and dealing with their needs was increasingly a core role for classroom teachers. "The inclusive approach had not been reflected in funding formulas, training, class sizes, or the design of school buildings," it added. Things are not getting easier for our children; the Glasgow Labour Group is deeply concerned and disappointed by the decision of the SNP-led City Administration to cut school librarian posts across the city as part of its wider budget reductions. This decision has seen 10 out of 14 librarian roles removed, leaving many of Glasgow's schools without the specialist literacy and learning support that pupils rely on. School librarians are essential educators who support young people in developing research skills, nurturing a love of reading, and helping close the attainment gap. Many of them also carry out roles which may not be captured in a job description or organogram. Pitching in on extracurricular activities, identifying children and young people who need support. They are a key part of the school community and cannot be removed without having a negative impact on that community. Removing these roles is a regressive step that may harm pupils' development, particularly those who already face disadvantage. Despite repeated warnings, the SNP administration pressed ahead with a so-called "service review" that was in effect a cover for cuts. The review dragged on for more than a year and was revealed only days before the summer holidays, avoiding meaningful scrutiny or engagement with schools, pupils, or parents. This decision further illustrates the SNP's disregard for Glasgow's education services and their ongoing failure to prioritise young people in this city. The SNP talk about equity and inclusion, but their actions undermine both. The Glasgow Labour Group will continue to stand up for our schools, our librarians, and the young people who deserve access to the opportunities that a properly supported education provides. These roles should have never been on the chopping block, and we will continue to fight for their restoration.
Cision Canada
30-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Infosys BPM Unveils AI Agents to Revolutionize Finance and Accounting Services
New Agentic AI-powered solution set to redefine accounts payable operations with significant efficiency gains, enhanced accuracy and improved user experience BENGALURU, India, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ -- Infosys BPM, the business process management arm of Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), today announced the launch of AI agents for invoice processing within its flagship Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud solution. Powered by Infosys Topaz, the innovation redefines invoice processing by moving from a human-driven, AI-supported model to an autonomous AI-first approach, which ensures greater efficiency and accuracy. Designed to operate autonomously, the solution leverages AI agents equipped with advanced decision-making capabilities to handle complex business scenarios with precision and speed. Autonomous AI-first approach enables end-to-end workflow management, allowing AI agents to handle dynamic processes, adapt to changing business logic, and perform intricate tasks with minimal human oversight. The new Agentic AI-powered Accounts Payable on Cloud solution aims to boost operational efficiency significantly, enabling businesses to scale quickly and effectively. Powered by Microsoft's AI stack, the solution combines Azure AI Foundry and other LLMs with custom AI agents. The integration of Cognitive Services with Azure's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings enables the delivery of scalable, intelligent, and enterprise-ready AI solution. This solution was developed in close collaboration with Americana Restaurants, the largest out-of-home dining and quick service restaurant operator across the Middle East, North Africa, and Kazakhstan, with more than 2,600 restaurants. Building on the successful deployment of Accounts Payable on Cloud solution for Americana, Infosys BPM is now integrating Agentic AI to make their invoice processing largely autonomous, further enhancing its efficiency and accuracy. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer, Americana Restaurants, said, "At Americana Restaurants, we are committed to leading digital transformation, and as we scale our operations, intelligent automation is key to achieving greater efficiency and agility. With AI-powered Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud, we have made invoice processing faster, enhanced accuracy, and improved efficiency. The addition of Agentic AI takes this a step further, reducing manual dependencies and bringing more intelligence and autonomy into our invoice processing. We are delighted that we have pioneered this initiative with Infosys and look forward to closely working with Infosys BPM to lead us collectively into a future of smarter and more agile operations." Stephen Boyle, Global Leader, GSIs, ESIs and Advisories, Microsoft, said, "We commend Infosys BPM for launching Microsoft AI agents within its Accounts Payable on Cloud solution, showcasing AI's ability to streamline complex workflows and enhance critical business operations. This innovation underscores Infosys's transformative potential and sets the stage for intelligent automation to drive future business success." Anantha Radhakrishnan, CEO & Managing Director, Infosys BPM, said, "With the introduction of Agentic AI into Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud solution, we are redefining what is possible in the finance and accounting functional domain. By integrating Infosys Topaz with a purpose-built multi-agent framework, along with Microsoft's AI stack, we've developed a solution that is autonomous by design, responsive to change, and built to evolve. This exemplifies our commitment to pioneering innovation and delivering unparalleled business value to enterprises worldwide." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Infosys BPM Unveils AI Agents to Revolutionize Finance and Accounting Services
New Agentic AI-powered solution set to redefine accounts payable operations with significant efficiency gains, enhanced accuracy and improved user experience BENGALURU, India, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys BPM, the business process management arm of Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), today announced the launch of AI agents for invoice processing within its flagship Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud solution. Powered by Infosys Topaz, the innovation redefines invoice processing by moving from a human-driven, AI-supported model to an autonomous AI-first approach, which ensures greater efficiency and accuracy. Designed to operate autonomously, the solution leverages AI agents equipped with advanced decision-making capabilities to handle complex business scenarios with precision and speed. Autonomous AI-first approach enables end-to-end workflow management, allowing AI agents to handle dynamic processes, adapt to changing business logic, and perform intricate tasks with minimal human oversight. The new Agentic AI-powered Accounts Payable on Cloud solution aims to boost operational efficiency significantly, enabling businesses to scale quickly and effectively. Powered by Microsoft's AI stack, the solution combines Azure AI Foundry and other LLMs with custom AI agents. The integration of Cognitive Services with Azure's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings enables the delivery of scalable, intelligent, and enterprise-ready AI solution. This solution was developed in close collaboration with Americana Restaurants, the largest out-of-home dining and quick service restaurant operator across the Middle East, North Africa, and Kazakhstan, with more than 2,600 restaurants. Building on the successful deployment of Accounts Payable on Cloud solution for Americana, Infosys BPM is now integrating Agentic AI to make their invoice processing largely autonomous, further enhancing its efficiency and accuracy. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer, Americana Restaurants, said, "At Americana Restaurants, we are committed to leading digital transformation, and as we scale our operations, intelligent automation is key to achieving greater efficiency and agility. With AI-powered Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud, we have made invoice processing faster, enhanced accuracy, and improved efficiency. The addition of Agentic AI takes this a step further, reducing manual dependencies and bringing more intelligence and autonomy into our invoice processing. We are delighted that we have pioneered this initiative with Infosys and look forward to closely working with Infosys BPM to lead us collectively into a future of smarter and more agile operations." Stephen Boyle, Global Leader, GSIs, ESIs and Advisories, Microsoft, said, "We commend Infosys BPM for launching Microsoft AI agents within its Accounts Payable on Cloud solution, showcasing AI's ability to streamline complex workflows and enhance critical business operations. This innovation underscores Infosys's transformative potential and sets the stage for intelligent automation to drive future business success." Anantha Radhakrishnan, CEO & Managing Director, Infosys BPM, said, "With the introduction of Agentic AI into Infosys Accounts Payable on Cloud solution, we are redefining what is possible in the finance and accounting functional domain. By integrating Infosys Topaz with a purpose-built multi-agent framework, along with Microsoft's AI stack, we've developed a solution that is autonomous by design, responsive to change, and built to evolve. This exemplifies our commitment to pioneering innovation and delivering unparalleled business value to enterprises worldwide." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: View original content: SOURCE Infosys
