The Land Trust is committed to developing, procuring and using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in a manner that is ethical, transparent, accountable and non-discriminatory.
Why AI matters
Artificial intelligence creates both opportunities and challenges for charities, communities and the environment.
Here at the Land Trust, we are at the beginning of our AI journey and are learning together. Used responsibly, AI can help us work more efficiently and enhance our ability to deliver the Land Trust’s vision.
This statement sets out our guiding principles for using AI. Our purpose is to be transparent, build trust with stakeholders and meet relevant legal and ethical obligations.
What we mean by “AI”
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of machines or software to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. AI systems can process data, learn from it, and make predictions, recommendations or outputs based on that data.
We aspire to the highest ethical standards in AI use. We protect personal data and privacy by using approved AI tools and settings and by minimising the data we share. Where possible, we use tools that do not use our inputs to train public models. Human oversight is paramount and we do not use the intellectual property of others, unless stated and properly licensed etc. Furthermore, the Land Trust recognises the environmental impact of AI, particularly its energy consumption. As such, we consider the environmental cost of implementing AI and emerging technologies, while also seeking to adopt technologies and practices that minimise or mitigate environmental harm.
We strive to provide clear and proportionate disclosures when AI is used, particularly when content could influence how a reader interprets information. We will include a clear disclosure if AI has been used to generate a substantial proportion of a document, or has been used to assist decision making, as well as in all other circumstances a reader may reasonably expect to know about AI involvement.
While ensuring legal compliance, we regularly review and communicate our internal policies. We remain accountable for decisions and outputs, even when AI tools are used. Colleagues using AI are responsible for following the Land Trust’s AI policy. We also report to the Board of Trustees on a regular basis on any incidents or changes in usage.
We may use AI to support drafting, summarising, research, data analysis and process automation where appropriate and authorised. However, we never rely on AI as the sole basis for decision-making and ensure that human judgement is always applied.
Ongoing training and skills development supports effective and responsible AI use by all colleagues.
As we continue to learn, we will review and improve our approach. We will also strive to stay aware of developing practice in the charity sector and across the sectors in which we work, so that we can maximise the positive benefits of AI while managing its risks.
For more information, please contact enquiries@thelandtrust.org.uk.