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Important message about A.I. and ChatGPT

22 October 2024

Our official position is not to use ChatGPT but to use Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is currently at proof-of- concept stage and being tested to see if it meets our business needs.


Colleagues should not use ChatGPT at all, so if you are using it, please stop immediately. Additionally, you must ensure that you disable the memory option in the settings and clear your chat history.

It is crucial to remember that using ChatGPT with information that could be personally identifiable puts you at risk of a data breach. Such breaches can be prosecuted by law, as we have recently seen through the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Testing Copilot

We are working hard to test Copilot and the use of AI, as we recognise there are benefits from it. However, it needs to be done safely and in accordance with our policies.

Please also note that Copilot for normal consumers should not be used. To clarify, Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed for professional use within our organisation and integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Teams to help with work tasks. On the other hand, Copilot for normal consumers is aimed at personal use, for example on your personal phone.

Once we have conducted the proof of concept for Microsoft 365 Copilot, we will produce a user guide for its use across the council to ensure that we manage sensitive information appropriately.