Quick wins with existing tools
This action plan provides a practical roadmap for implementing AI tools quickly and effectively using existing commercial solutions. From conducting initial workshops to monitoring deployed systems, we'll guide you through each step of integrating AI into your organisation's workflows.
Pathway Steps
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.
Understand AI use in organisation
Conduct an audit of current AI tool usage within your charity. Understand how staff are already using AI to enhance productivity. Recognize the risks of uncontrolled AI use, including data security concerns. Create guidelines for approved tools, establish proper licensing, and develop training programs. Encourage innovation while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
Conduct impact assessments
Conduct comprehensive impact assessments when integrating AI into charitable organizations. Consider effects on beneficiaries, staff, resources, and external partners. Establish baseline measurements, examine externalities, and build on existing work. Use assessments to make evidence-based decisions, plan for changes, and set realistic expectations. Review regularly to ensure AI serves your mission effectively.
Identify commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools
Explore commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) AI tools for charities. Understand their benefits, including lower costs and faster implementation. Begin with a needs assessment, start small, and document learnings. Consider COTS as a stepping stone to custom solutions, evaluating factors like cost, integration, and customization options.
Procure COTS tools
Evaluate and procure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) AI tools to enhance your charity's capabilities. Build a business case using the provided calculator, involve key stakeholders, and consider implementation factors like accessibility and integration. Set clear metrics to measure success, balancing costs with operational benefits and social impact.
Upskill teams in use of COTS tools
Develop strategies to upskill charity teams in using COTS AI tools. Focus on human oversight, building staff confidence, and practical training. Cover prompt engineering and tool customisation. Provide implementation tips and success metrics for effective AI integration in charitable organisations.
Integrate AI tools into workflows
Integrate AI tools into charity workflows through careful process analysis and strategic alignment. Adopt a gradual implementation approach, build on established foundations, and embrace controlled experimentation. Foster open communication with stakeholders, and continuously monitor and adapt AI implementations to ensure they deliver value and align with organizational goals.
Establish KPIs for measuring AI impact
Establish KPIs to measure AI's impact on operational efficiency, mission outcomes, and responsible implementation. Use a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics, set clear baselines, and integrate measurements into existing frameworks. Regularly review and evolve KPIs to guide improvements and demonstrate AI's value to your charity.
Design workflows that optimize human-AI interaction
Design workflows that optimize human-AI collaboration in charities. Map intuitive handover points between AI and staff. Build confidence through transparent AI decision-making. Enable easy adjustments to AI outputs. Focus on complementary strengths, leveraging AI efficiency while maintaining human insight for complex cases.
Monitor AI systems post-deployment for AI risks
Implement robust monitoring systems for AI in charitable organisations. Establish external and internal monitoring processes, including automated scanning and incident procedures. Maintain vigilance to detect and address issues early, ensuring AI systems align with the charity's mission and ethical standards. Prioritise preventative measures for responsible AI use.
Changing COTS supplier as market evolves
Monitor COTS AI tools for performance, cost, and strategic alignment. Prepare for transitions by building system flexibility, implementing structured reviews, and planning gradual changes. Manage transitions effectively through documentation, clear timelines, and stakeholder communication. Stay adaptable to evolving AI markets while maintaining stable service delivery.
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