How we use AI
Our approach to using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Any use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is guided by our commitment to fight poverty, enrich lives and strengthen communities, without causing harm, bias or exclusion.
AI is a tool that can support our work, but it will never replace human judgement, relationships or accountability.
In addition to our own AI policy, we are proud to have signed the human-first responsible AI pledge.
Our guiding principles
Human-led, human-informed, human-first
Decisions at Point North are always made by people. AI may support analysis or ideas, but responsibility sits with us.Equity and inclusion
We assess AI use carefully to avoid reinforcing inequality or excluding communities who already face barriers.Transparency
We are open about when and how AI is used, including in our communications, decision-making and data handling.Accountability
AI outputs are always reviewed by staff. We remain responsible for the accuracy, tone and impact of our work.
How we use AI, and where we draw the line
At Point North, AI is used to support our work, not replace human judgement or decision-making. It helps us work more efficiently and consistently, while keeping people, relationships and accountability at the centre.
We may use AI to support:
Grant making and funding processes
Reviewing publicly available data, such as 360Giving data
Supporting eligibility checks based on agreed programme criteria
Checking organisational policies (for example, safeguarding) for completeness
Summarising funding applications, programmes and monitoring reports to support staff review
Improving data visualisation, including recommendation portfolios, outputs and outcomes
Research and internal work
Horizon scanning and policy reviews
Summarising non-sensitive meetings or discussion notes
Turning complex information into clearer, more accessible formats
Marketing, communications and accessibility
Supporting idea generation and draft content
Improving accessibility through captioning, translation or formatting
Analysing data to help us understand reach and engagement
Where we draw the line
AI does not make funding decisions, people always do
AI outputs are always reviewed by staff before use
AI is not used with personal, confidential or sensitive data
AI is not used to fabricate stories, testimonials or imagery
All use must comply with GDPR, safeguarding standards and our ethical commitments
AI is a tool that supports our work, but final decisions, accountability and responsibility always sit with people.
Have more questions? Get in touch.
About Human-First Responsible AI Pledge
The Human-First Responsible AI Pledge asks leaders to use AI in ways that work for people, now and into the future.
This means being open about how AI is used, putting people first, and making sure technology supports communities rather than leaving them behind.
The pledge sets out a clear framework to help organisations adopt AI ethically, inclusively and in ways that also make commercial sense.
Our values
Everything we do, including how we use AI, is guided by our six core values:
Trustworthy
Respectful
Passionate
Adaptable
Ambitious
Vocal
These values shape how we work with donors, partners and communities, ensuring AI is used with integrity, care and transparency, and always in ways that respect the knowledge, voice and lived experience of local people.
Oversight & Governance
Board oversight: Significant decisions about AI use are reviewed by our Board.
Ongoing review: We regularly assess the social, ethical and environmental impact of AI tools.
Training and support: Staff receive guidance and training to use AI responsibly and confidently. Any efficiency gains are reinvested in people and mission delivery.
Data protection, ethics and legal compliance
We follow GDPR, Data Protection Act requirements and ICO guidance on AI.
AI use is reflected in our privacy information so people understand how their data is handled.
All AI-assisted content is checked for bias, accuracy and dignity, and clearly labelled where relevant.
We respect copyright, intellectual property and legal rights at all times.
Environmental responsibility
We recognise that AI has an environmental footprint. We consider energy use and environmental impact when choosing and using AI tools and aim to use them thoughtfully and proportionately.
Read more about our overall approach to reducing our carbon footprint here.