How AI Can Support Charity Teams – One Role at a Time
Today I had the pleasure of delivering an ‘Intro to AI’ session to the brilliant team at Community Action Northumberland (CAN) – with apologies to those staff chopped off in the photo!
Rather than a generic presentation, I made it practical, showing how AI can support real roles in the charity sector. We explored examples tailored to their day-to-day work: from drafting reports and turning meeting notes into minutes with actions, to summarising research, planning projects, and creating checklists for funding claims.
I wanted to show that you don’t need to be ‘techy’ to understand AI or use it effectively. Whether you’re working in finance, project delivery, or senior leadership, it can support your role.
There were a few lightbulb moments and some great conversations about where AI could ease the load and spark ideas, not to replace the human touch, but to enhance it.
We also began mapping out next steps: forming a staff working group, drafting a policy, and building confidence among those new to AI.
To end the session, I shared an “And finally…” moment: a quick prompt asking ChatGPT “How is AI shaping what our users need at CAN?”
The response really hit home. It highlighted five key areas:
– A growing need for digital inclusion support
– The importance of being a trusted voice in a potential sea of misinformation
– How AI tools can enhance the support and services already being delivered
– A reminder that broadband access and infrastructure still matter
– The value of personalised, local advice in an increasingly automated world
It was reassuring to see that CAN is already ahead of the curve, working on a rural digital inclusion project with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise. But it also reinforced how vital it is for charities to stay alert to these shifts.
If you’re a charity leader or team member curious about how AI could support your organisation, I’d love to chat. I’m offering short, friendly sessions to help demystify it and show how it can be used responsibly and creatively across different roles.
Drop me a message if you’re interested.