Working with OpenAI: A Guide for Social Workers
May 2025
This guide introduces the responsible use of OpenAI in social work practice. In what follows, we explain some frequently used terms, provide some insights into what it can and can’t do, offer advice for effective, ethical and responsible use of OpenAI in the workplace and provide working examples of it in action.
This guide introduces the responsible use of OpenAI in social work practice. It outlines key concepts, ethical considerations, and practical examples of how generative AI tools like Copilot, Magic Notes and ChatGPT can support administrative efficiency, research, and content creation – while highlighting the importance of data security and protection, professional judgement, and ethical standards.
Written by Professor Beth Weaver and Dr. Fern Gillon with Dr. Gavin Heron, Fergus Reid, and Professor Feng Dong, School of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with Social Work Scotland.
