AI and the VCSE sector

Doing More with Less: Leveraging AI in the VCSE Sector

We are seeing artificial intelligence (AI) popping up all around us, often integrated into the software we already use, with new tools and applications becoming available all the time. We may be in the early days of AI, but as the saying goes, today’s AI is the least advanced it will ever be. While some of these innovations are groundbreaking, they are designed to support, not replace, the work of a human. Not everyone is a fan of AI, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that it’s here to stay.

A key question for VCSEs is: can these evolving AI tools help us tackle our sector’s most pressing challenge – meeting increasing demands with shrinking resources?

AI has the potential to ease the challenges of charities and social enterprises by improving efficiency and streamlining operations. For organisations with limited budgets, staff and time, these tools can automate routine activities, provide data insights, and support a whole host of tasks freeing up human resources for more strategic or person-focused work.

 

Three ways VCSEs have utilised AI tools to streamline their daily operations

Automating admin tasks

There are some great affordable or free AI tools that can handle repetitive tasks for you, like Zapier, which helps different apps work together automatically, or Microsoft Power Automate, which allows you to set up straightforward, step-by-step processes to keep everything running smoothly. They can handle tasks like sending notifications, updating records, organising information, tracking tasks, or even generating reports.

Some of the software you already use might also have great AI features such as Butler, Trello’s built-in automation tool saving project management time, Canva’s design suggestions and Grammarly Business which can automatically suggest improvements to written pieces based on the communication style of your organisation.

Impact measurement and reporting

By using tools to automate elements of data collection and analysis, AI can allow staff to focus less on the data and more on the people you support. Tools like Microsoft’s Power BI use AI to automatically analyse and create visuals for social impact data, even allowing you to ask queries to gain additional insights.

Writing emails, marketing and copy

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude can be incredibly helpful when you have more to write than time allows. That being said, you shouldn’t rely on these tools to do the whole job. AI is powerful but not perfect, and it can produce errors, misunderstandings or text that sounds a bit ‘off’. What it will give you is a starting point to edit and build on, ideas for topics to write about, or a structure you can use.

 

Going forward

I hope you can agree that the excitement around AI’s potential is well-deserved, but it’s essential to approach AI implementation with caution and consideration, ensuring we harness these tools responsibly and ethically. Protecting data privacy is crucial so we need to develop AI policies or guides and provide team training. We also need to ensure we don’t unintentionally reinforce misinformation or biases by not thoroughly reviewing the work produced. These issues are caused by many AI models being trained on historical data with flaws or societal biases.

The VCSE sector has long been full of innovators and standard-setters. There is a great opportunity for VCSEs to leverage these tools in a responsible, transparent, and values-driven way, using AI to both enhance our work and build our capacity to facilitate more human and community connection.

 

Here are our top tips for the VCSE sector when using AI:

  • Remember the limits – AI isn’t perfect so double-check everything and be aware of its limitations.
  • Protect data – Be careful with sensitive data and stick to privacy laws like GDPR.
  • Maintain a human touch – AI should assist, not replace. Always have a person review everything produced.
  • Be open about AI – Be transparent about when AI is in use, especially in customer interactions or decision-making.
  • Keep learning – Stay updated on AI and train your team to use it in line with the organisation’s values.

As we all continue experimenting and exploring AI, FUSE is keen to keep sharing knowledge and best practice. Let us know how you are using AI in your organisation – and what support you might need to help you! Drop us an email at enquiries@ecnorfolk.org.uk or fill in our survey! If you’re interested in attending future workshops on this topic, please fill in your details here.

 

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