Getting started with Open Badges

Using AI to help with your Open Badge applications

AI chatbots have the potential to be valuable aids in the learning process and can assist you in preparing your evidence for Open Badge applications. However, it’s very important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. The following information outlines how to use AI effectively while maintaining the integrity of your Open Badge submissions. Adherence to our rules around the acceptable use of AI and declaring any use is mandatory for all applicants.


You can download a handout with the slides and notes from the presentation. There is also an audio described version of the video.

Acceptable uses of AI

So long as you declare their use, the examples below show how an AI chatbot like OpenAI ChatGPT or Google Gemini can be used appropriately to help you prepare the evidence needed to apply for a badge.

  • Spelling and grammar checks: Use AI to proofread and correct spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Rephrasing and language improvement: AI can help rephrase your content for clarity and improve overall language quality. However, ensure the underlying experiences and reflections remain your own.
  • Identifying gaps: AI can help spot areas where your evidence might be lacking or where you could provide more detail.
  • Structuring your response: AI can suggest ways to organise your thoughts and improve the flow of your evidence.

Unacceptable uses of AI

While not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of what we consider to be unacceptable uses of AI. A general rule is that if the AI is doing any of your ‘thinking’ for you, then its use is unacceptable and the work should not be submitted as evidence for a badge.

  • Generating fictional experiences: Never use AI to create fictional scenarios or experiences. Your evidence must be based on your actual learning and work experiences.
  • Fabricating reflections: The reflective elements and personal insights in your submission must come from your own thoughts and experiences, not an AI’s interpretation.
  • Outsourcing your work: While AI can assist with language and structure, the core content – your experiences, actions, and reflections – must be your own.

Declaring your use of AI

When using AI chatbots to assist with your Open Badge application, it is crucial to provide full transparency about the AI’s involvement. We can only accept AI-assisted applications that include a direct link to the complete chat log from the AI platform used. Currently, Google Gemini and OpenAI ChatGPT offer this functionality through their sharing features. When using these or other platforms, look for a “share” button on the chat page that allows you to create a public link to the entire conversation.

This helps the person assessing your application determine the extent of AI assistance and ensures that the core work, reflections, and experiences presented are genuinely yours. We cannot accept screenshots or copy-pasted conversations from chatbots, as these cannot be authenticated. Only public links to the complete chat log, generated directly from the AI platform, will be considered valid for assessment purposes.

In addition to declaring your use of AI, you should follow the rules below to ensure that its use remains acceptable.

  • Use AI as a tool, not a replacement: AI should enhance your work, not do the thinking for you.
  • Critically evaluate AI suggestions: Always review and verify any information or suggestions provided by AI. Even if you are confident doing this yourself, we recommend getting the help of a colleague or supervisor to help you.
  • Maintain authenticity: Ensure that the final submission accurately represents your personal experiences, learning and reflections, even if the language has been polished by AI.
  • Focus on personal growth: Remember that the goal is your professional development. Use AI to help you articulate your thoughts more clearly, but ensure the reflective process remains yours.

By following these rules, you can ensure that your evidence submission truly represents your work, experiences, and reflections.

Implications of misusing AI or failing to declare its use

It is important to understand the serious implications of misusing AI in your Open Badge applications or attempting to pass off AI-generated work as your own without engaging with the learning materials. Such actions not only compromise the integrity of the Open Badge programme but also breach several codes from the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers.

  • Violation of trust: Submitting AI-generated work without disclosure violates the trust placed in you by the SSSC, your colleagues and the individuals you serve. This directly contravenes Code 2.1 of the Code of Practice, which requires social service workers to “Be truthful, open, honest and trustworthy.”
  • Lack of genuine professional development: By using AI to generate evidence without engaging in the learning process, you fail to meet Code 5.6, which emphasises the importance of maintaining “continuous professional learning to improve my knowledge and skills.”
  • Misrepresentation of abilities: Presenting AI-generated work as entirely your own misrepresents your capabilities and knowledge, potentially putting at risk the quality of service you can provide. This goes against Code 5.1, which requires meeting “relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way.”

Any Open Badge application confirmed to contain undisclosed AI-generated content can be permanently revoked, while serious or repeated violations can lead to a complaint being made about you to the SSSC Fitness to Practise department.

Remember, the purpose of Open Badges is to reflect your genuine learning, experiences, and professional growth. While AI can be a valuable tool when used appropriately and transparently, it should never replace your own engagement with the learning materials or your personal reflections on your practice.