It’s been quite a busy few months in the charity digital and AI space, hasn’t it? I thought it might be helpful to share some developments that are shaping how our sector engages with technology. From research opportunities to collaborative initiatives and updated guidance, here are a few things worth keeping on your radar.
2025 Charity Digital Skills Report – Have Your Say!
I wanted to mention that the 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report survey is now open for responses until Monday, 28th April 2025.
For those who aren’t familiar, this annual report has become something of a barometer for digital skills, attitudes and behaviours across UK charities since we began it in 2017. This year, we’re particularly keen to understand where organisations are at with artificial intelligence.
The timing feels particularly relevant. Charities are being asked to deliver more with less, and AI offers potential ways to address this challenge – whether through improving efficiency, supporting staff and volunteers, or enhancing service delivery.
I’m delighted to be co-authoring the report with Nissa Ramsay of Think Social Tech, and working with an excellent group of partners including The Catalyst Network, Microsoft, Torchbox, Lightful and Digital Candle. Each brings unique expertise to help us understand different areas of the charity digital landscape, from skills development to AI adoption.
But here’s the thing – we risk missing out on these opportunities if charities aren’t supported to make the most of AI. That’s why we need your input to help us understand:
- Where your charity is at with digital and AI adoption
- What funding and support you need
- How issues like inclusion are affecting digital maturity
- What’s helping or holding you back
The survey takes just 15-20 minutes to complete, and as a thank you, five eligible organisations will win £300 in unrestricted funding!
I’m particularly excited about this year’s expanded AI section, which will help us track adoption across the sector and identify what charities need to progress in this space.
Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap: New Leadership Programme
While analysing last year’s Charity Digital Skills Report data, something caught my attention. Despite charity AI use jumping to 61%, there’s a clear gap in leadership knowledge:
* 39% of charities expressed a need for CEOs to understand AI trends
* 34% wanted leaders to better grasp the associated risks and opportunities
* 31% highlighted the importance of boards getting to grips with these new tools
In response to this need, I’m pleased to share that we’re partnering with Microsoft to launch a free AI leadership programme specifically designed for charity leaders and trustees. The timing feels particularly apt, ahead of the updated Charity Digital Code of Practice this summer, which will include comprehensive AI guidance for leadership teams.
We’ve already undertaken discovery with small and large charities so that we can build the programme around your specific needs. Microsoft’s generous support means we can offer this completely free to charity leaders, making AI expertise accessible regardless of your organisation’s resources.
We will open programme registration in April. To be the first to hear about it please register your interest here.
Charity AI Task Force – Championing Collaborative, Responsible AI
You might have heard about the Charity AI Task Force that launched in February. It’s been a fascinating journey so far, working alongside Dan Sutch (Director of CAST) as co-chairs.
The task force brings together more than 20 organisations with a shared interest in championing the responsible, inclusive and collaborative use of AI across the social sector.
At our launch, I found myself reflecting that “Through the taskforce funders, small and large charities will unite to develop a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence. The charity sector possesses crucial insights into societal challenges that must inform the development of AI tools.” This remains at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve.
The task force is currently focusing on four key missions:
- Acting as a collective voice for AI in the charity sector
- Influencing responsible, ethical and inclusive AI use
- Encouraging collaboration between key groups
- Aligning efforts to ensure better support for the sector
One of our first priorities is responding to the government’s newly-launched AI Opportunities Action Plan. After all, if we don’t shape how AI develops, we risk it being developed without the insights and needs of communities we serve.
It’s encouraging to see The National Lottery Community Fund CEO David Knott describe AI as “the defining strategic question of our time” at our launch event. This widespread recognition of AI’s importance gives me hope that together, we can ensure these technologies benefit everyone, not just a privileged few.
Charity Digital Code of Practice – Evolving for the AI Era
Finally, I wanted to update you on the Charity Digital Code of Practice. The consultation period for the latest iteration has now closed, and we’re working towards launching the updated Code in summer 2025.
The revised Code recognises how dramatically digital has evolved since its first iteration. It particularly acknowledges how AI is changing the societies in which charities operate and dictating how organisations communicate, fundraise, and provide services.
Some key updates include:
- Introduction of AI across all principles to help charities mitigate risks and seize opportunities
- A new dedicated principle focused on Data
- Enhanced guidance on procurement and cyber security
- Extended advice on accessibility and inclusion
The updated Code will continue to provide a consistent framework to shape digital ways of working for charities of all sizes, budgets, or causes. It’s not regulatory – rather, it offers principles and best practice that can help organisations identify what they’re doing well in digital and where they might need to improve.
What’s Next?
If digital and AI are to truly serve our sector, we need your input and engagement. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Take 15 minutes to complete the survey – Your perspective on the Charity Digital Skills Report matters tremendously (and you might win £300!)
- Join our free AI leadership programme – If you’re a charity leader looking to strengthen your AI knowledge, register your interest in our Microsoft-supported programme launching in May
- Connect with the Charity AI Task Force – Follow our progress, share your challenges, and join the conversation about responsible AI in our sector
- Bookmark summer 2025 – The updated Charity Digital Code of Practice is coming, and it’s designed to help you navigate AI’s challenges and opportunities
The charity sector has always found innovative ways to adapt and thrive through change. By lending your voice and expertise to these initiatives, you’re helping ensure that digital and AI technologies work for all of us, not just a privileged few.
What has your experience with AI been like in your organisation? I’m always curious to hear different perspectives.
Zoe
P.S. If you’d like to discuss any of these developments further, my door is always open for a cup of tea and a chat.