AI and social work: learn about the opportunities and risks

With artificial intelligence becoming an increasing presence in social work, Community Care is holding a half-day event that explores the implications for practitioners, leaders and those who rely on social care

By Mithran Samuel on May 9, 2025 in Events, Future of Social Work, Social work leaders

A person working on laptop with icons representing ethics, law, and governance in AI, importance of responsible AI usage, ethical decision-making,

Photo: Supatman/Adobe Stock

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasing presence in social work, but much remains unknown about its potential impact on practice and those who rely on social care.

To explore what we know and equip practitioners, educators, leaders and policymakers to manage the opportunities and risks that AI presents, Community Care has gathered a group of experts for a half-day online event taking place on 9 July 2025.

Social workers’ experience of using AI

Our first session looks at social workers’ experience of using generative AI – where artificial intelligence is used to create new content based on prompts it has received – based on recent research.

Dr Tarsem Singh Cooner and Dr Caroline Webb, from the University of Birmingham, will share insights into practitioners’ understanding of ethical issues, including data privacy and algorithmic bias, and highlight tasks where social workers believe generative AI can make a difference.

The emerging role of AI in children’s and adults’ services

Session two will explore how social care teams are currently using AI tools to support decision making, manage caseloads and access policy guidance more efficiently.

Speakers Kevin Yong, of consultancy Coram-i, and Jonny Hoyle, from North Yorkshire County Council, will provide a live demonstration of the Policy Buddy tool, developed by the council and artificial intelligence firm Leading AI.

The tool, which has been trained on North Yorkshire’s policies and procedures, as well as national legislation and guidance, enables practitioners to find information they need and improves consistency in the application of policy and law.

Kevin and Jonny will also explore potential future uses of AI in social care.

Generative AI within social work education and learning

In our third session, Dr Clare Stone, of Lancaster University, will share findings from research into the how social work students and educators are using generative AI.

Her findings illustrate that AI is often being used unofficially, due to a lack of clear guidance, support or policies.

Clare’s session will highlight the need for strategies on the use of AI in social work education that include ethical guidelines.

The ethical and equity-related considerations of using AI

The event closes with a panel discussion on the ethical and equity-related considerations arising from the use of AI in social work.

Our panelists – digital safeguarding expert Dr Peter Buzzi, Social Workers Union chair Dave Callow and data scientist Sean Manzi, from the Dartington Service Design Lab – will explore data bias, transparency, accountability and the potential for AI to either reduce or reinforce existing inequalities.

Key themes include the importance of maintaining human oversight, ensuring diverse and inclusive data practices, safeguarding privacy and building AI systems that support — rather than replace — professional judgment.