Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Aim

The aim of Cavendish Homecare Professionals is to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools used within the organisation support care delivery and operational activities while maintaining client safety and wellbeing, protecting confidential information, complying with data protection laws and ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.

AI systems should only be used to support administrative functions, learning and operational efficiency and must never replace professional judgement, human interaction, or the delivery of person-centred care. All AI-generated content or recommendations must be reviewed and validated by a suitably qualified member of staff before being relied upon in any work-related activity.

Background

This organisation believes that every client should be treated with dignity, respect and compassion and should receive care that is safe, effective and responsive to their individual needs. The organisation recognises that new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, may support operational efficiency and improve service delivery when used appropriately and responsibly.

However, the organisation also recognises that the use of AI within health and social care carries potential risks, particularly in relation to confidentiality, safeguarding, accuracy of information and professional accountability. AI systems can generate information or recommendations that may be incomplete, inaccurate or inappropriate for care situations. Therefore, it must never be used as a substitute for professional expertise or clinical judgement.

The organisation therefore requires that the use of AI tools is carefully managed and that staff understand their responsibilities when using such technologies.

The organisation recognises its duties under the following legislation and regulatory requirements:

• The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which require organisations to protect personal and sensitive data, including health and care information.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which require providers to ensure safe care and treatment and maintain confidentiality of service users’ information.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005, which ensures that decisions made on behalf of individuals who lack capacity are made in their best interests.
• The Equality Act 2010, which requires services to be delivered fairly and without discrimination.

In addition, the organisation recognises its duty to comply with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards, including the requirement to ensure safe, effective and well-governed services.

The organisation therefore recognises that clear guidance on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence is necessary to ensure that technology enhances, rather than compromises, the delivery of high-quality care.

Policy

In Cavendish Homecare Professionals:

• Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to support administrative tasks, document drafting, training, and operational planning, provided that such use does not involve the sharing of confidential or identifiable information about clients, staff or the organisation.
• AI must never be used to make clinical or care decisions, including assessments of care needs, medication management, safeguarding decisions or the development of care plans without appropriate professional review and approval.
• Staff must never enter or upload confidential or identifiable information relating to clients, relatives or staff members into publicly available AI tools or systems. This includes names, addresses, health conditions, care plans, medication details, safeguarding concerns or incident reports.
• AI-generated content should always be reviewed, verified and edited by a member of staff before it is used for organisational purposes. Staff remain fully responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of any work produced with the assistance of AI tools.
• AI must not be used in a way that could compromise client dignity, confidentiality or safeguarding responsibilities.
• Staff must only use AI tools that have been approved by the organisation, and must follow organisational policies relating to information governance, confidentiality and cybersecurity.
• Where AI is used to support the creation of documents, reports or training materials, staff must ensure that the content remains accurate, professional and consistent with the organisation’s policies and procedures.
• AI must never be used to replace human interaction, compassion or professional judgement in the delivery of care or in communication with clients and their families.
• Managers will monitor the use of AI tools where necessary to ensure that they are being used safely and appropriately within organisational guidelines.
• Any concerns about the use of AI, including potential misuse or risks to confidentiality, must be reported immediately to management in accordance with the organisation’s incident reporting procedures.
• Feedback from audits, complaints, inspections and staff feedback will be used to review the organisation’s use of Artificial Intelligence and to identify areas for improvement.

Training

In Cavendish Homecare Professionals:

• All staff will be introduced to the AI Use Policy during their initial induction to ensure immediate awareness of safe practices.
• Office staff will receive training on the implementation and governance of AI technologies. This includes information on confidentiality, and information governance requirements, particularly regarding the handling of personal and sensitive information.
• Nurses and carers will receive regular guidance on the appropriate and responsible use of AI. This focuses on the responsible use of AI as an administrative aid only, ensuring it never replaces professional clinical judgement or person-centred care decisions.

Implemented: May 2026
Version: 1 (Implementation)
Source: Expert Clinical Manager