Skip to content

Hertfordshire County Council

Using AI when you contact the council

If you're planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help when you write to us, make sure you know the pros and cons first.

 

Making a complaint

It's best to write your complaint in your own words. This helps us better understand what happened and how it affected you.

  • Focus on what happened and the impact on you.
  • Stick to the facts – only include what actually happened.
  • Avoid legal wording – don't ask AI to add laws or formal legal language.
  • Check before sending – is it accurate? Does it reflect your own words?

 

Using AI is OK but it can:

  • delay how quickly we deal with your complaint – we might need more clarification from you
  • make mistakes or make up incorrect 'facts'
  • make complaints too long or complicated
  • include legal language or references that are unnecessary or inaccurate
  • process your data outside the UK – we'd recommend not putting your name, address or other information that could identify you into AI tools.

 

Example AI prompts to help write a complaint

If you choose to use AI to help draft your complaint, don't use personal details in the AI tool. Use placeholders such as “the officer” or “my relative” instead.

Possible prompts you could consider:

  • ‘I need help to organise the issues in my complaint. Here are the details: [list the dates and what happened].
    Help me organise these into a clear structure that shows what happened in chronological order. Only use the information I have provided, do not add or invent new facts. Do not add any legal references or arguments unless I’ve included them. Be concise and professional, but not too formal or legal.’
  • ‘Help me explain how this affected me. The impact was: [describe any effects on your health, work, family, finances, daily life or well-being].
    Set out how long the impact lasted and whether there are any ongoing effects. Only include the information I have provided and do not exaggerate the impacts. Be concise and professional.’
  • 'Rewrite my complaint in clear language using only the information I have provided. Do not add or invent facts, legal references or arguments. Keep the wording clear, concise and professional whilst reflecting my own experience. Clearly explain what happened, what I think went wrong, how it affected me and how I would like my complaint to be resolved.’

Complain, compliment or comment about our services

 

Contacting councillors

Similarly, if you write to your county councillor, AI can often make things longer or more complicated than it needs to.

  • Keep your message short and to the point.
  • Write it in your own words.
  • Keep to the facts – for example, include dates, times and locations if relevant.
  • Include your contact details.

Find your local county councillor

 

Rate this page