Building buy-in
Successful AI implementation relies heavily on having your organisation aligned and engaged. This action plan helps charities establish the groundwork for adopting AI by focusing on understanding, communication and collaboration across all levels of the organisation.
Pathway Steps
Run AI Baseline Survey
Conduct an AI baseline survey to assess staff attitudes and readiness for AI adoption. Use accessible tools to create the survey, including essential questions on a 5-point scale. Ensure anonymity, gather departmental context, and allow for comments. Analyze results to identify patterns, address concerns, build on enthusiasm, and track progress over time.
Run AI stakeholder conversations exploring change
Engage stakeholders in open, inclusive conversations about AI integration. Create meaningful dialogue, capture feedback, and identify common themes. Understand human perspectives and use insights to shape implementation strategies. Foster effective and aligned AI adoption through stakeholder engagement and comprehensive understanding of diverse viewpoints.
AI Fundamentals workshop
Conduct an AI Fundamentals workshop to initiate AI integration in UK charities. Cover AI basics, explore opportunities, assess feasibility and impact, and evaluate risks. Involve diverse stakeholders, produce an opportunity framework, guidelines, and governance plan. Regularly review outputs to maintain relevance.
Reduce fear around AI
Address concerns about AI in charities through balanced, informed approaches. Demonstrate practical benefits, create peer learning opportunities, and tailor messages to stakeholder needs. Focus on ethical implementation, transparency, and continuous learning to build confidence in AI as a valuable tool for social impact.
Executive-level workshops
Plan and execute executive-level AI workshops for charities. Include ecosystem mapping and stakeholder analysis activities. Identify AI opportunities collaboratively. Prioritise ideas and establish follow-up actions. Ensure alignment between AI initiatives and the charity's mission. Focus on meeting stakeholder needs throughout the process.
Model positive AI use from the top
Model positive AI use from leadership positions. Share successes and challenges openly, provide active support for AI projects, and connect initiatives to the charity's mission. Create forums for sharing experiences, document case studies, and regularly update AI policies. Become an active champion for responsible AI adoption beyond passive approval.
Develop communication strategies for AI-driven changes
Communicate AI implementation in terms of mission impact. Frame changes as improvements to beneficiary services, using relatable examples. Tailor messages for different stakeholders and maintain transparency. Encourage two-way communication and always connect AI adoption to core charitable objectives. Foster understanding through mission-focused dialogue.
Create opportunities for sharing AI innovations
Establish mechanisms for sharing AI innovations internally, within the charity sector, and beyond. Create regular innovation sessions, participate in sector-specific networks, and contribute to broader AI discussions. Document complete project narratives, including challenges and outcomes. Share practical insights, costs, and resource requirements to help others assess feasibility.
Establish processes for employees to suggest AI use cases
Establish formal channels for employee input on AI implementation in charities. Empower staff through active participation and systematic evaluation of suggestions. Allocate time for exploration and maintain ongoing engagement. Ensure successful AI adoption and continuous improvement by leveraging employee insights and experiences.
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