OUR COMMITMENT

At Shine, we use technology carefully and responsibly to support our services for children, families, and communities. This includes the limited and controlled use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) where it is safe, lawful, and appropriate.

Safeguarding, privacy, and trust always come first.

HOW SHINE USES AI

Where AI is used, it is to:

• Support administrative efficiency and service quality
• Assist staff with drafting, analysis, and routine tasks
• Improve consistency and accuracy in internal processes

AI is never used to replace professional judgement, decision‑making about children, or human responsibility. 

SAFEGUARDING COMES FIRST

Because Shine works in a safeguarding‑led environment:

• AI must not make or influence decisions about children
• AI is not used for profiling, automated decisions, or behavioural assessment of children
• Any safeguarding concern identified through AI‑supported work follows Shine’s existing safeguarding procedures

Human oversight is always in place. 

PROTECTING PERSONAL DATA AND PRIVACY

Shine is committed to protecting personal data and complying with UK data protection law:

• AI is used in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• Children’s data and special category data are handled with additional care
• AI tools are assessed before use to ensure data is processed lawfully, securely, and only where necessary
• We do not rely on AI outputs that may contain personal data without appropriate checks and safeguards

Privacy is never traded for convenience. 

TRANSPARENCY AND OPENNESS

We believe in being clear and open about our use of AI:

• We are transparent about where AI supports our services
• AI‑generated content is reviewed by people before being used or shared
• We provide clear routes for questions or concerns about AI use

AI is not a “black box” at Shine. 

HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY

AI supports people, it does not replace them.

• Shine staff remain fully accountable for decisions  and actions
• AI outputs are checked for accuracy, bias, and appropriateness
• We do not rely on AI without meaningful human review

Responsibility always sits with people, not technology. 

ETHICAL AND FAIR USE

Shine is committed to ethical AI use:

• We actively consider fairness, bias, and inclusion
• AI must not disadvantage individuals or groups
• We stop or change AI use if risks outweigh benefits

Our values guide our use of technology. 

SECURITY AND OVERSIGHT

To protect our organisation and the people we support:

• Only approved, secure AI tools are used
• AI use is monitored and reviewed
• Any concerns, incidents, or misuse are addressed promptly

AI is treated as a safety and security matter, not just a technical one.  

CONTINUOUS REVIEW

AI technology and expectations change. Shine:

• Regularly reviews how AI is used
• Updates safeguards as laws, guidance, or risks change
• Ensures our approach remains appropriate for a child‑centred organisation

We adapt carefully and responsibly. 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

If you have questions about Shine’s use of AI or would like more information, please visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.