Harnessing AI in Social Housing: Lessons from West Berkshire Council*

Introduction

AI is changing the way organisations operate, and social housing providers are no exception. West Berkshire Council’s (WBC) approach to developing in-house AI tools offers valuable insights into how generative AI can improve efficiency, streamline processes, and cut costs.

For executives, this is about leveraging AI to drive innovation while maintaining control over data and costs. Board Members are concerned with compliance, ethical AI use, and the financial implications of adopting new technologies. This case study explores how social housing organisations can apply similar strategies while ensuring AI governance and accountability.

Developing AI Solutions In-House

WBC opted to develop its own generative AI tools using the ChatGPT API. Rather than purchasing expensive off-the-shelf solutions, the council created custom AI assistants to automate tasks like drafting job advertisements and internal communications. By integrating AI into existing workflows, the council improved efficiency while retaining full control over data security and costs.

For social housing providers, this in-house approach offers an alternative to expensive AI products. It allows for customisation to meet sector-specific needs, such as automating ...