This AI Usage Policy explains how artificial intelligence (“AI”) is used on the Oldham SEND Local Offer website. Our aim is to provide a helpful, accessible experience while keeping your data safe and ensuring transparency in how these technologies work.

1. How We Use AI on This Website

AI-Powered Search & Chat

We use the AI Chat & Search for WordPress plugin by Purethemes, powered by ChatGPT-style models. The plugin:

• Searches your website content to answer questions and guide visitors
• Indexes pages, listings, events and posts to provide relevant links
• Uses your supplied API key to communicate with an external AI model
• Stores optional chat history in your WordPress database
• Uses only your website content to generate relevant responses

On this site, the AI functions help users find Local Offer pages, services, events and information more easily. It does not provide medical, legal or professional advice.

2. What the AI Does Not Do

• Does not remember personal details after the chat ends (unless chat logs are enabled)
• Does not access private data unless typed by the user
• Does not make service or eligibility decisions
• Does not replace education, health or social-care professionals
• Does not track users for marketing or profiling
• Does not train external AI models using your input beyond standard API processing

3. Data & Privacy (UK GDPR Compliant)

When using the AI chat or search tool:

• Your query may be sent to an external AI provider (e.g., OpenAI) to generate an answer
• We do not sell or share your data for advertising
• Any stored chat history stays on this website’s server only
• External AI providers process only the query text required for responses

For more details on how personal data is handled, see our Privacy Policy.

4. Human Oversight

• All website content is created or reviewed by humans
• AI responses are based only on the information already published on the site
• Critical or safeguarding information is always reviewed and maintained manually

5. Accuracy & Limitations

• AI may occasionally misunderstand or misinterpret questions
• Responses depend on how well the website content is indexed
• Always check information directly with service providers if unsure

6. Third-Party AI Providers

The plugin uses an external AI API (e.g., OpenAI) to generate responses. Only the text of your query is sent. No user accounts or profiles are created.

7. Your Rights

• Request details about how AI processes your queries
• Request human support instead of AI
• Request deletion of any stored chat logs

Contact us at: [email protected]

8. Policy Updates

We may update this policy as our AI tools or the plugin evolve. The latest version will always be displayed on this page.

Last updated: 19 November 2025

Important Notice

The AI chat and search tools on this website are provided to help you navigate the Oldham SEND Local Offer and to direct you to relevant pages, services and information. The AI is intended as a guide only.

You should not rely solely on AI-generated responses when making decisions about education, health, social care, or support needs. The information provided by the AI should always be checked against the official pages on this website or with the appropriate service provider.

For any concerns about a child or young person, or if you need personalised guidance, please seek advice from a qualified professional or contact the relevant service directly.

AI Best Practices

While our AI tools are designed to help you navigate the website, you should use them wisely. Here are some best practices:

• Use AI as a guide rather than a final decision-maker.
• Check any suggestions or links provided by the AI against official sources or service providers.
• Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information into the chat or search features.
• Be aware that AI responses may contain errors, omissions or bias, so always apply human judgement.
• If you’re unsure or a matter involves professional, legal, medical or educational advice — seek human expert support.

To learn more about the potential risks and how to use AI responsibly, you may wish to review this guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (UK): “Guidance on AI and Data Protection”.