We are pleased to announce the release of the Consensus Roadmap for the Use of AI in the Armed Forces Charity Sector. This roadmap, developed through a collaborative event held in October 2024, offers insights and guidance on how charities can approach the use of AI in a responsible, transparent, and effective manner.
The roadmap comes at an important time, as Armed Forces charities face growing demands and financial pressures. This consensus statement aims to support charities in understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption and offers a pathway for responsible use.
Insights
The roadmap draws on insights shared at the Exploring the Role of AI in the Armed Forces event sponsored by the Forces in Mind Trust, Combat Stress and King’s College London. Leaders from academia, government, industry, funders, and the charity sector came together to discuss how AI could impact and support Armed Forces charities. Through expert talks, roundtable discussions, and attendee feedback, key considerations for AI adoption were identified and synthesised into this roadmap.
Speakers included Michelle Alston (CEO, Forces in Mind Trust), Dominic Murphy (Head of Research, Combat Stress and King’s College London), Zoe Amar (Founder, Zoe Amar Digital), Stella Harrison (Senior Analyst, RAND EU), Daniel Leightley (lecturer, King’s College London), Stuart Middleton (associate professor, University of Southampton), Samantha Ahern (Senior Digital Research Trainer, UCL), and Nicholas Cummins (lecturer, King’s College London). Their insights underscored the importance of ensuring that AI adoption aligns with the needs, values, and ethical obligations of Armed Forces charities.
Key takeaways
- Current use of AI by charities
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- 61% of Armed Forces charities currently use AI, primarily for operational tasks like automating routine processes.
- There is a significant gap between operational AI use and strategic AI adoption, highlighting the need for increased understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations.
- Barriers to AI adoption
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- Limited AI and data literacy across the charity sector.
- Concerns around data privacy, GDPR compliance, regulation and the responsible use of AI.
- A lack of clear guidance from government bodies, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and the Charity Commission.
- Opportunities for AI
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- AI can streamline beneficiary support, triage services, and provide quicker, more tailored responses to those in need.
- Automation of administrative tasks like meeting minutes and document processing allows staff to focus on higher-value strategic activities.
- By analysing donor behaviour, AI can tailor engagement strategies, identify potential supporters, and optimise fundraising campaigns.
- Responsible AI considerations
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- Transparency, fairness, and accountability are essential for AI systems, especially when handling sensitive personal data.
- The use of AI in mental health support must be complemented by human oversight, particularly in high-stress and crisis situations.
A need for greater clarity and support
The roadmap highlights the need for greater support from government, regulators, and collaboration across the industry to ensure responsible AI adoption in the Armed Forces charity sector. Our key recommendations include:
- Upskilling charity leaders and staff so they understand AI’s risks, responsibilities, and potential.
- A focus on practical accountability to ensure models are transparent, fair, and aligned with charity sector values.
- Promoting partnerships between Defence, charities, and industry to support inclusive AI adoption and share best practices.
- Encouraging the use of AI that aligns with sustainability goals and contributes positively to environmental and social objectives.
Looking ahead
The updated Charity Digital Code of Practice (2025) will offer additional guidance on digital transformation and AI use. While not a set of mandatory rules, the Code will support charities in navigating complex issues like leadership, data security, and digital skills development.
The Consensus Roadmap for the Use of AI in the Armed Forces Charity Sector is a valuable resource for charities at all stages of their AI journey and to create discussion. By engaging with the roadmap, charities can better understand the potential of AI, address key barriers, and ensure that AI adoption aligns with the needs of the communities they serve.
Join the discussion
We invite all stakeholders — charity leaders, funders, regulators, and beneficiaries — to review this roadmap and share their feedback. This is an opportunity to contribute to a shared understanding of how AI can best support the Armed Forces charity sector.
To learn more about the roadmap or to get involved, please contact Daniel Leightley (daniel.leightley@kcl.ac.uk) or Dominic Murphy (dominic.murphy@combatstress.org.uk).
