Social work is built around human connection, professional judgement and understanding people’s individual circumstances. As artificial intelligence becomes more common across the sector, the challenge is finding ways to benefit from technology without losing sight of the people at the heart of the work.
In January 2026, Social Work England published research exploring how AI is being used in social work education and practice. Its findings highlighted the potential for AI to reduce administrative workloads, improve efficiency and give practitioners more time to focus on supporting people.
The research announcement reported that 83% of people surveyed believed AI could reduce the administrative burden on social workers. However, it also raised important concerns about privacy, consent, bias, accuracy and accountability.
Read Social Work England’s January 2026 research announcement.
These concerns are not theoretical. In February 2026, research reported by CARE highlighted risks associated with AI transcription tools used in social care, including inaccurate information entering official records. Such errors demonstrate why human oversight and careful checking remain essential.
Read the report on AI transcription risks in social care.
The opportunity is not to replace professional expertise, but to use technology responsibly where it can genuinely help. Social workers must retain control over decisions, protect confidential information and ensure that efficiency never comes at the expense of someone’s safety or dignity.
Keeping wellbeing human
Technology also has a role in supporting the people who deliver social care. These professionals face demanding workloads and emotionally challenging situations, and their own wellbeing deserves attention.
Shoorah can contribute through its digital wellbeing resources and Employee Assistance Programme, which provides confidential counselling and advice. These services support practitioners themselves, complementing the professional systems and human judgement essential to social work.
Technology should give people more space to care, not create distance between them. The real measure of progress is whether it helps professionals provide better, safer and more human support.
