Our AI Principles

People first

AI is designed to support our staff, volunteers and the people we help. It does not replace the compassion, expertise or judgement of people.

Transparency

We believe people have a right to know when and how AI is being used.

We'll be open about the AI tools we use and explain their purpose wherever possible.

Human oversight

People remain responsible for the services we provide, the information we publish and the decisions we make.

Where AI helps create content or summarise information, it is reviewed by a member of staff before it is used where appropriate.

Privacy and security

We protect personal information by following our data protection and information governance policies.

As a general rule, staff do not enter personal or confidential information into general-purpose AI tools.

Before introducing a new AI tool, we consider privacy, security and compliance with UK data protection law.

Accuracy

AI can make mistakes.

We review AI-generated content before it is published or relied upon and continue to check that our information is accurate, evidence based and up to date.

Fairness and accessibility

We aim to use AI in ways that make our information and services more accessible.

This includes exploring ways to improve readability, accessibility and inclusion, while recognising that AI may not always work equally well for everyone.

Continuous improvement

Technology is evolving rapidly.

We regularly review how we use AI, assess new opportunities and update our approach as guidance, technology and the needs of the people we support continue to change.