Today, at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), we’re announcing the launch of a new project Impact AI. Practical, accessible and easy to understand training, courses and tools for social ventures to get the most out of AI.
All for a very simple reason – AI will have a transformative effect on our work, livelihoods and society. Wherever it goes next, we know it needs to benefit society. The social sector, often supporting and representing those most marginalised in our communities, needs to have its voice and its part.
www.impactai.org.uk
Civil Society risks being left behind
Since ChatGPT first made its way into the mainstream 18 months ago, there has been significant coverage on the power AI has in changing the way we work. This has also been felt across the social sector. With this year’s Charity Skills Report, we know appetite is high. 78% of charities agree that AI is relevant to their charity and could transform it.1 Yet we also know that 73% of charities say they don’t feel prepared to respond to the opportunities and challenges it brings. This is reflected in take-up as the figure below shows:“Fewer than one in four charities are adopting/planning to use AI compared to nearly two-thirds of private sector organisations.”Private-sector companies are investing time, resources and training into embedding AI into their organisations. While the willingness is there for charities and social organisations, the biggest reason for low take-up, as always, comes down to lack of time and resources. The transformative impact AI can have on a social organisation’s is huge. From the basic: taking minutes, drafting blogs, optimising web copy. To the complex: onboarding staff, analysing trends in beneficiary data, writing fundraising bids. Yet, the worry is that while private sector organisations innovate, change their practice and training – the social sector gets left behind.