GCS Assist

Overview — GCS Assist is a secure, generative-AI conversational tool built by government communicators for government communicators. It helps users brainstorm, create first drafts and review work more efficiently, with outputs designed to follow Government Communication Service (GCS) policies and standards.

How it is used — Responsible use has guided its design, informed by the GCS Framework for Ethical Innovation and the GCS Generative AI Policy. Before using the tool, users must complete a bespoke "AI for Communicators" training course on the safe use of AI in the workplace. Assist provides more than 50 communications-specific pre-built prompts reflecting the typical daily tasks of a government communicator, spanning all seven GCS disciplines.

Scope and limitations — Assist is designed to enhance rather than replace communicators' skills: human quality control is central to the tool, and its outputs are suggested first drafts that users develop further using their own critical thinking and judgement. The tool is currently used by a number of teams in the core Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland.

- Facilitates more efficient use of time, supporting communicators in the delivery of basic functions and freeing up time for more challenging and complex work.