West Berkshire Council: Development of Generative AI Tools 

Introduction & Relevance to Social Housing

The West Berkshire Council case study demonstrates how smaller organisations can leverage generative AI tools to streamline operations and enhance service delivery. The council’s in-house development of AI solutions highlights practical ways to automate content creation and improve internal communication, directly impacting daily operations. The strategic benefits of this approach—such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and improved workflow efficiency—align with long-term goals for innovation and operational control in social housing. The council’s focus on ethical AI implementation and robust governance provides a relevant blueprint for organisations seeking to balance technological advancement with compliance and user trust.

Implementation of AI Solutions

West Berkshire Council took a pioneering approach by developing custom AI tools using the ChatGPT API, focusing on automating content creation for job adverts and LinkedIn posts. This in-house solution allowed the council to integrate AI seamlessly into their existing workflows while maintaining control over data and flexibility. This demonstrates how tailored AI tools can reduce manual tasks, freeing up resources for tenant-focused services.

Strategic Benefits

The council’s AI implementation has significantly reduced the time needed to draft job postings while ensuring consistent formatting and content. The cost-effectiveness of this approach—just £300 to set up and £2 per month to run—highlights the financial benefits of in-house AI development. This model aligns with strategies for reducing operational costs while improving service delivery through technology.

Challenges and Mitigation

The initial use of ChatGPT presented challenges like unreliable outputs and data privacy concerns. The council addressed these issues by shifting to secure APIs and conducting thorough data protection as...