WCC commits to the European Union AI Pact
Utrecht – NL, November 14, 2024. WCC Group, a leading provider of advanced solutions for Public Employment Services and Staffing Agencies and ID/Security government agencies, is delighted to announce that we have committed to the European Union’s AI Pact. WCC is proud to be one of the first companies to join the EU’s AI Pact. This initiative promotes the creation and early adoption of best practices around a responsible and ethical use of AI to comply with the AI Act.
At WCC, responsible AI is more than a buzzword – it has been one of our foundational principles for nearly 3 decades, deeply embedded in solutions that impact the lives of 500 million people around the world on a daily basis. Operating in high-risk domains like employment and border security, we have long prioritized transparency and controllability of the underlying AI. This dedication has established WCC as a frontrunner in responsible AI, a position we are excited to advance further through our participation in the EU AI Pact.
What does signing the AI Pact mean for WCC?
By signing the AI Pact, WCC commits to:
- Adopting an AI governance strategy to foster the uptake of AI in the organization and work towards future compliance with the AI Act;
- Identifying and mapping AI systems likely to be categorized as high-risk under the AI Act;
- Promoting AI awareness and literacy among staff, ensuring ethical and responsible AI development;
- Putting in place processes to identify possible known and reasonably foreseeable risks to health, safety, and fundamental rights that could follow from the use of relevant AI systems throughout their lifecycle;
- Implementing concrete measures to ensure human oversight over the operation of high-risk AI systems as defined by the AI Act;
- Informing deployers about how to appropriately use relevant AI systems, their capabilities, limitations, and potential risks.
Our commitment to Responsible AI
We look forward to reinforcing our role as a frontrunner in responsible AI by joining the AI Pact, and we are convinced that this will allow for our continued positive impact on the lives of millions of people – not just in the EU, but around the world.
“This is not just about checking boxes – it is a meaningful step toward fostering AI governance practices that ensure that we do the right thing, and that we do it right.
By joining the AI Pact, we double down on our commitment to being a frontrunner in a responsible and ethical use of AI. Adopting strong AI practices today allows us to build trustworthy, impactful solutions that benefit people around the world.
While some may view governance as an obstacle to innovation, I believe it is essential for true, impactful progress. If we leave the door open to unchecked risks in high-risk domains such as employment and border security, are we truly building something meaningful, or are we setting ourselves up for unintended consequences?
At WCC, we choose to lead with responsibility, creating a future where AI serves and safeguards people around the world.“
Alexander Hogenboom – Head of Data Science at WCC
Earlier this year, WCC has also joined the Netherlands AI Coalition, further strengthening our commitment to a responsible use of AI. Through these collaborations, WCC aims to continue bringing the latest advancements in responsible AI into practice through software that matters.
About WCC Group
Founded in 1996, WCC Group provides intelligent employment and workforce solutions that help organizations connect people with jobs and training opportunities more effectively. WCC supports public employment services across more than 25 countries worldwide and powers recruitment operations for leading staffing agencies globally.
Building on decades of expertise in public employment services and workforce matching, WCC recently expanded its portfolio with Workr, a solution designed to help large organizations improve internal mobility, retain talent, and better align workforce skills with organizational needs.
Powered by responsible AI and advanced search and match technology, WCC’s solutions enable skills-based matching and support more transparent and informed decision-making. Processing more than half a billion interactions every day, WCC supports large-scale labor market initiatives globally, including MyFutureJobs in Malaysia and recruitment operations for Robert Half in the United States.
About MSD
MSD is New Zealand’s agency for providing public employment services and delivering the country’s welfare system. Originally established in 1889 as the Old Age Pensions Office, MSD today supports around 1.4 million New Zealanders (around 28% of the population), with an annual budget of $47.5 billion (approx. 33.5% of core government spending).
The Ministry provides financial assistance to people of working age who may be unemployed and seeking work, temporarily or permanently unable to work due to a health condition or disability, or sole parents caring for young children. MSD also delivers New Zealand Superannuation, student loans and allowances, and Disability Support Services.
In addition, MSD assesses eligibility for social housing and works in partnership with organizations and community groups across New Zealand to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. The Ministry collaborates closely with iwi and Māori to support the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).