[UK] Majority of charities not yet prepared for AI

A new report has revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK charities do not feel prepared for the “opportunities and challenges” of artificial intelligence (AI), ThirdSector reports.

This year’s Charity Digital Skills Report, published on July 12, included the results of a flash poll of 100 UK charities, asking them a range of questions about AI.

The poll reportedly showed that 73 per cent of participating charities felt unprepared for AI. However, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of the charities agreed that AI was “relevant to their charity and could transform it”.

Only around one in five respondents (19 per cent) said they were prepared for AI.

Of large charities polled, some 64 per cent said they were “currently using or plan to use AI in their day-to-day operations”, compared with 44 per cent of small charities.

The report was reportedly co-authored by Zoe Amar, a digital expert in the charity sector, and Nissa Ramsay, the founder of Think Social Tech, a research and learning consultancy for the social sector.“This indicates how AI could potentially create inequalities if larger charities are more likely to benefit from it,” it said. 

Findings from the wider survey saw more than half of the responding charities say they are poor at keeping up to date with digital trends and technologies such as TikTok and ChatGPT.

While 55 per cent of respondents said the cost of living crisis had adversely affected their digital capacity; 27 per cent are currently spending less money on digital tools than previously.

The survey also found:

• 64 per cent of charities have excellent basic digital skills
• 52 per cent say digital is more of a priority, from 46 per cent in 2022
• Almost half (46 per cent) have no digital expertise on their board
• 49 per cent urgently need money for devices, software and infrastructure

Reaching and meeting the needs of more diverse users has become a far greater priority, up from 35 per cent in 2022 to 45 per cent.

Jo Morfee - producer at digital advice charity Catalyst, which supported the report - said, “There is a clear call out to funders to continue to support core digital costs and projects and there’s evidence to suggest that more of the funded work should be made open and reusable, to benefit a wider range of organisations.

“Another interesting data point is the sector’s adoption of emerging technologies.

“It seems that funding, skills and capacity are once again the main blockers to adoption of new technologies.”

Ms Amar said, “The adoption curve of AI will change how donors and supporters interact with charities and what they expect from its products and services.

“Charities will miss out on opportunities to meet these needs if they do not have the right people and the right skills to manage the challenges and embrace the opportunities.

“Charities need leaders who can really think holistically and not view AI as a commoditised product that you drop into your organisation.”

Ms Ramsay said, “We hope the report encourages those providing funding and support to reflect on how this might be more equitable and inclusive, by focusing on digital needs.”

Source: ThirdSector

(Quotes via original reporting)

A new report has revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK charities do not feel prepared for the “opportunities and challenges” of artificial intelligence (AI), ThirdSector reports.

This year’s Charity Digital Skills Report, published on July 12, included the results of a flash poll of 100 UK charities, asking them a range of questions about AI.

The poll reportedly showed that 73 per cent of participating charities felt unprepared for AI. However, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of the charities agreed that AI was “relevant to their charity and could transform it”.

Only around one in five respondents (19 per cent) said they were prepared for AI.

Of large charities polled, some 64 per cent said they were “currently using or plan to use AI in their day-to-day operations”, compared with 44 per cent of small charities.

The report was reportedly co-authored by Zoe Amar, a digital expert in the charity sector, and Nissa Ramsay, the founder of Think Social Tech, a research and learning consultancy for the social sector.“This indicates how AI could potentially create inequalities if larger charities are more likely to benefit from it,” it said. 

Findings from the wider survey saw more than half of the responding charities say they are poor at keeping up to date with digital trends and technologies such as TikTok and ChatGPT.

While 55 per cent of respondents said the cost of living crisis had adversely affected their digital capacity; 27 per cent are currently spending less money on digital tools than previously.

The survey also found:

• 64 per cent of charities have excellent basic digital skills
• 52 per cent say digital is more of a priority, from 46 per cent in 2022
• Almost half (46 per cent) have no digital expertise on their board
• 49 per cent urgently need money for devices, software and infrastructure

Reaching and meeting the needs of more diverse users has become a far greater priority, up from 35 per cent in 2022 to 45 per cent.

Jo Morfee - producer at digital advice charity Catalyst, which supported the report - said, “There is a clear call out to funders to continue to support core digital costs and projects and there’s evidence to suggest that more of the funded work should be made open and reusable, to benefit a wider range of organisations.

“Another interesting data point is the sector’s adoption of emerging technologies.

“It seems that funding, skills and capacity are once again the main blockers to adoption of new technologies.”

Ms Amar said, “The adoption curve of AI will change how donors and supporters interact with charities and what they expect from its products and services.

“Charities will miss out on opportunities to meet these needs if they do not have the right people and the right skills to manage the challenges and embrace the opportunities.

“Charities need leaders who can really think holistically and not view AI as a commoditised product that you drop into your organisation.”

Ms Ramsay said, “We hope the report encourages those providing funding and support to reflect on how this might be more equitable and inclusive, by focusing on digital needs.”

Source: ThirdSector

(Quotes via original reporting)