AI is fundamentally transforming the UK charity sector. From automating repetitive tasks to enabling new ways of working, AI is reshaping charity jobs, roles, and the skills needed to succeed. This web page provides a quick overview of what those changes will be, looks at potential charity job losses, and what charities and individuals can do to be ready for these changes.  It's a simple overview of our free online  Making AI Work for Your Organisation course, which will be published in February 2026, together with supporting resources. To access all of our free Charity AI courses and to pre-order, go to our Charity Excellence Learning website.

AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement

AI is a powerful tool that excels at processing data, automating routine processes, and uncovering insights. However, it is not here to replace people. The most successful charities will use AI as a partner - letting it handle the heavy lifting with data, while humans provide creativity, empathy, and judgement. It’s natural for staff to feel anxious about change, but with the right approach, AI can empower teams and enhance their work, not threaten jobs.

Addressing Staff Concerns

• Acknowledge and listen: Staff may worry about job losses, skills gaps, or ethical issues. Start by listening and validating these concerns.
• Communicate openly: Clearly explain how AI will support, not replace, people. Use plain language and avoid jargon.
• Involve everyone: Engage staff and volunteers early in decisions about AI use. Early involvement builds trust and encourages involvement.
• Provide reassurance: Emphasise that AI is a tool to support people, not replace them. Human judgement, creativity, and relationships remain essential.
• Offer training and support: Provide practical, hands-on training for all skill levels. Pair less confident users with “AI buddies” or champions.
• Go at the right pace: Introduce AI gradually, starting with simple, low-risk uses. Celebrate quick wins and share positive stories.
• Keep listening: Create safe spaces for ongoing feedback, questions, and concerns. Review and adapt your approach as you learn together.

How Will Charity Jobs Change?

AI will automate some highly structured, repetitive tasks—such as basic data entry or routine customer service queries. However, most roles will evolve, not disappear. Expect to see:

• Shifts in admin and management: More focus on oversight, strategy, and creative problem-solving.
• Growth in new job sectors: Data, safety, compliance, and digital infrastructure roles will become more important.
• Emergence of new roles - here are some ideas.
  • Reality counsellors: Supporting young people’s mental health in virtual spaces and helping older people relate to new technologies.
  • AI whisperers: Helping charities tell their stories through AI-generated content that is ethical and culturally sensitive.
  • Accessibility advocates: Making AI accessible for disabled people and others at risk of exclusion.
  • Accountability auditors: Monitoring AI for bias, fairness, and compliance.
  • Digital empathy officers: Ensuring AI services remain compassionate and inclusive for vulnerable groups.

The Future of Work: Co-Working with AI

AI is moving from being a simple assistant to a true co-worker. We’ll eventually see “bot bosses,” collaborative teams, and even AI systems that work alongside humans in decision-making. However, human oversight, moral judgement, and preference will always be essential. Co-working in tandem with AI leads to better outcomes, as humans and machines complement each other’s strengths.

Will AI Reduce Jobs? Not Necessarily

History shows that technology often creates more jobs than it replaces. As automation makes work more efficient, demand for services can grow—leading to new roles and opportunities. For example, if AI speeds up grant applications, a charity might attract more funders and need more staff to manage the extra work. This is known as Jevons’ Paradox: increased efficiency can actually create more demand and jobs.

New Skills for the AI Era

To succeed, everyone—not just tech staff—needs upskilling:

• Admin: Recognising sophisticated scams and phishing attempts.
• Finance: Validating unusual requests and ensuring financial security.
• Comms: Keeping online spaces safe, ethical, and inclusive.
• Operations: Helping communities stay safe from AI risks and misinformation.
• Leadership: Managing change, ensuring ethical and effective AI use, and supporting staff through transitions.

Key Human Skills for the Future

• Problem-solving in unpredictable environments: Roles like facilities managers and community outreach workers will need adaptability.
• Genuine creativity: Digital content creators and campaign designers will thrive by bringing new ideas and perspectives.
• Building relationships: Nurses, counsellors, and fundraisers will continue to rely on empathy and interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.

Working Effectively with AI

You can download our 'AI cheat sheet' from the Getting Started with AI course, but here-#'s a very simple summary.

• Be clear about your goals: Include context, objectives, and tone in AI prompts.
• Be creative: Explore different angles and formats, and ask AI for ideas or feedback.
• Always review AI drafts: Check for accuracy, tone, and relevance.
• Spot gaps and weak logic: Look for inconsistencies and assumptions in AI outputs.
• Add human insight: Inject examples, stories, and nuance to make content more relatable.
• Steer the process: Redirect AI when it goes off-track and ensure outputs align with your charity’s values.

Avoiding “AI Work Slop” and Fostering Job Crafting

• AI work slop: Relying on AI to speed through tasks can lead to mistakes, poor quality work, and missed learning opportunities.
• Job crafting: Encourage staff to reshape their roles around AI—delegating admin tasks that can be safely automated, and focusing on higher-value work.
• Shift from slop to crafting: Train teams to review, adapt, and improve AI drafts, and to think creatively about how AI can enhance their work.

Future-Proofing Your Charity

• Keep learning: Master AI basics and build skills that fit your role and career aspirations.
• Use tech wisely: Understand security, privacy, and ethics to stay safe and responsible.
• Bring your human edge: Focus on creativity, empathy, and adaptability—skills AI can’t replace.
• Embrace change: Get comfortable with uncertainty and learn to thrive in evolving environments.
• Look after yourself: Build resilience to manage stress and avoid digital overload.

Key Takeaway

AI will fundamentally reshape charity work, but human skills—empathy, creativity, judgement, and relationships—will matter more than ever. Invest in your people, provide training and support, and use AI as a partner to unlock new opportunities for your charity and the communities you serve. The biggest risk is using AI as a shortcut, not as a partner. By putting people first and embracing change, UK charities can thrive in the age of AI.