AI USE Policy

Purpose

A2O uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support our consultancy work, improve efficiency and enhance service quality. AI helps with drafting, research, and administration, but all professional judgement and final outputs remain human‑led. AI has not been introduced to reduce or replace human staff.

How we use AI

We may use secure business versions of tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to assist with wording, summarising notes, template drafting and research. AI is never used to make decisions about clients or to provide compliance advice.

Protection of client information

A2O treats client confidentiality and personal data protection as essential. We never enter personal information into AI systems. We do not use client data to train AI systems. We are open about our use of AI. Clients may ask about how AI is used in their work at any time.

Output Review

All AI‑assisted work is reviewed by a consultant before use or sharing. We verify regulatory and legal content and remain fully responsible for all advice and deliverables.

Legal compliance

Our use of AI follows UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and confidentiality obligations. We apply data minimisation, security and human oversight principles.

Environmental responsibility

We recognise that AI technologies have environmental impacts, including energy and resource use. A2O aims to use AI tools proportionately and responsibly, focusing on efficiency and avoiding unnecessary or repetitive processing.

Review

This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect legal, regulatory and technology changes.