Exploring AI in the VCSE Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and Support Mechanisms

Abstract

As AI becomes common in enhancing working life, VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations are adopting it to meet growing demand for their services. With limited resources, these organisations view AI as a way to enhance efficiency and scale their impact. However, for AI to truly support the sector’s mission, it must be adopted thoughtfully and responsibly. This research aims to develop a practical toolkit that helps VCSEs navigate AI responsibly. Through surveys, interviews, and workshops, the toolkit will be co-designed to address the sector’s evolving needs, using real-world scenarios to guide them through the practical and ethical challenges of AI adoption. By exploring the challenges and opportunities of VCSEs using AI, this research aims to support organisations in integrating AI into their work in an effective way that is aligned with their values, helping navigate the complexities of responsible AI use.