Croydon Educational Psychology Service AI Use Policy
- Purpose
This policy sets out the agreed use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Educational Psychology Service (EPS). It aims to ensure that AI is used ethically, safely, and transparently, while maintaining professional accountability, data protection, and the integrity of psychological practice.
- Approved Use of AI
In line with Croydon Council policy, the only approved AI tool for use within the EPS is Microsoft Copilot (within the Council’s secure environment).
No other AI platforms (e.g. external generative AI tools) are permitted for use with any work-related content, particularly where this involves sensitive, identifiable, or case-related information.
- Principles of Use
AI may be used to support professional practice, but must not replace professional judgement. All Educational Psychologists remain fully responsible for the content of their work.
AI may be appropriately used for:
- Structuring documents or organising written content
- Drafting administrative text (e.g. emails, templates)
- Editing for clarity, grammar, and readability
- Summarising information
AI must not be used for:
- Psychological formulation
- Analysis or interpretation of assessment data
- Diagnostic decision-making
- Generating recommendations or provision without professional oversight
- Psychological Formulation and Analysis
All psychological formulation, interpretation, and analysis must be the sole work of the Educational Psychologist.
This includes:
- Integration of assessment findings
- Hypothesis generation
- Application of psychological theory
These elements are central to professional accountability and must reflect the EP’s own expertise, clinical reasoning, and ethical judgement. The use of AI to generate or substantially shape these components is not permitted.
- Data Protection and Confidentiality
- All use of Microsoft Copilot must remain within the secure Council environment.
- All information entered into AI tools must be processed only through Council-approved systems and in accordance with Council information governance, confidentiality and data protection requirements. Staff must not upload work-related information to non-approved external AI platforms.
- EPs must adhere to GDPR, the Data Protection Act (2018), and HCPC and BPS standards at all times.
- Transparency and Acknowledgement
Where AI has been used to support the preparation of a report or written document, this will be clearly acknowledged at the end of the report. All EP written information will contain the following acknowledgement.
“Croydon Educational Psychology Service endorses the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for administrative tasks, including transcription, document drafting, editing, formatting and summarising information. Where AI tools are used, they are accessed through approved secure platforms and in accordance with information governance, confidentiality and data protection requirements. AI is not used to make professional decisions, undertake psychological formulation, interpret assessment findings or determine conclusions and recommendations. All information has been reviewed, amended where necessary, and professionally approved by the author. Professional judgement, analysis, conclusions and recommendations remain solely those of the Educational Psychologist. AI is used in accordance with the Croydon Educational Psychology Service AI Policy, available here (link).”
- Professional Accountability
The Educational Psychologist:
- Retains full responsibility for all written content
- Must critically review and amend any AI-supported text
- Must ensure that all outputs are accurate, appropriate, and aligned with professional standards
AI should be viewed as a supportive tool, not a substitute for expertise.
- Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed in line with updates to:
- Croydon Council AI guidance
- National policy developments
- Professional standards (e.g. HCPC, BPS)
This policy will also be reviewed if approved AI systems or Council information governance arrangements change.
Date of Policy:
Date of Review:
