Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. IBM
Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. Most of us are already using it in our everyday lives without even realising it. Think of predictive text when writing message on your phones, suggested areas of interest on your social media pages, or suggestions for items you may like when shopping online.
Charities and voluntary groups may benefit from using AI – for instance it can save time, help you get started on a document, suggest layouts, and summarise long reports. But we may feel cautious about getting started, and concerned about digital security, as well as worrying how it might affect people, the impact on jobs, digital exclusion and the impact on the environment.
We can at least start to educate ourselves and begin to learn what AI could do for us, what we need to do to keep our organisations safe, and what discussions we may need to have as an organisation around topics such as agreed usage, and transparency statements.
Here are some resources and articles to help you on your AI journey and help to keep your organisation safe:
What is AI?
This short video from Good Things Foundation, explains what AI is, and where you might already be using it.
Learning opportunities
CAST offer a free self-serve course, starting with the basics, perfect if you’re new to AI, or you want to go back a step. You simply sign up, and each week for 7 weeks you will be sent an email with a guided activity. Find out more and sign up.
The Good Things Foundation have added a new learning module on their Learn My Way website: Topic introduction | Learn My Way which is another ‘back to basics’ course.
Insights
Exploring the world of AI. NCVO and Microsoft UK share findings from their artificial intelligence (AI) event along with opportunities for ongoing learning.
Generative AI
Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership recently hosted Cambs Digi Fest, a series of digital related events including – Saving Time with Generative AI – Insights for Small Charities.
The webinar was presented by Flóra Raffai, giving practical advice, and demonstrations of how charities can use AI in their work. Find out more here, and catch up on the presentation.
AI and funding applications
The National Lottery Community Fund has developed guidance on how applicants can use AI when applying for funding: Using Artificial Intelligence tools in funding applications.
Resources
CAST have a comprehensive list of resources which you may find helpful, from blogs, to guides, and policy templates and frameworks.
Charity Excellence: AI Policy template
Keeping your organisation safe
Charity Digital advise on how to keep your organisation safe, in their article: Artificial intelligence and cyber security
The ICO share Guidance on AI and Data Protection to help organisations adopt new technologies while protecting people and vulnerable groups.
National Cyber Security Centre:
Government publications: AI Cybersecurity Code of Practice
Charity Excellence: Charity AI Governance & Ethics Framework Policy
Raspberry Pi Foundation: Equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to responsibly and safely navigate the challenges associated with AI, from data privacy, misinformation, and fact-checking, to deepfakes and generative AI: Experience AI
The Charity Commission: Charities and Artificial Intelligence
Ethical Uses of AI for Charities
Exploring this further plus talking about the history of AI: Ethical Uses of AI for Charities. | Reason Digital
Ethical Decision Making Framework: RDs-Ethical-Decision-Making-Framework-Client-Facing.pdf