When I started AnnaVA AI, I made a decision that some people told me was risky: I would always be upfront about when and how I use AI in my work. No hiding it. No vague language. Just honest, clear communication with every client.
A lot of VA services out there use AI tools quietly in the background — and I completely understand why. There’s still a lot of nervousness around AI, especially in the charity sector where trust is everything. But I think hiding it is exactly the wrong approach.
“Transparency isn’t a weakness. It’s the foundation of every good working relationship — and it’s what makes the results better, not worse.”
So what does “openly AI-assisted” actually mean?
It means that when I use an AI tool to help with your work — whether that’s drafting a document, analysing a spreadsheet, or researching a topic — I tell you. Every time. And I also tell you what I did with that output: how I checked it, edited it, and made sure it was accurate before it reached you.
AI doesn’t replace my judgement. It extends my capacity. Think of it like a very fast, very well-read assistant who needs careful supervision — because it does.
Why does transparency matter so much?
- Your clients and trustees deserve to know how their organisation’s work is being done
- AI makes mistakes — and hiding its involvement means hiding potential errors
- Trust is the most valuable thing in any working relationship, and it has to be earned honestly
- The charity sector runs on integrity — your support should too
- It sets the right expectations, so you’re never surprised
The results speak for themselves
Since being openly AI-assisted from day one, I’ve found that clients actually appreciate it. They like knowing what tools I’m using. They like the honesty. And they like that when I tell them something is accurate, they can trust that I’ve verified it myself — not just pasted in whatever an AI generated.
Being open about AI also means I’m constantly improving how I use it. When you’re transparent, you stay accountable. And accountability makes you better at your job.
“AI is my superpower — not a secret. And I think that’s exactly how it should be used.”
If you’re a charity or small business thinking about working with a VA, ask them about AI. Ask how they use it, when they use it, and how they check the results. If they can’t give you a clear, honest answer — that tells you something important.
Anna is a VA and operations specialist supporting charities and small businesses across the UK. Openly AI-assisted, always transparent, and backed by the tenacious spirit of Maddie the chihuahua. 🤍