SDNPA Guidance on the Use of AI During the Application Process
We recognise that AI tools are becoming a common part of how people work, learn, and prepare for opportunities. Used thoughtfully, they can support your application. However, your application must always reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. There is a risk that using AI could generate false or misleading information.
To help you understand what is and isn’t appropriate, we’ve outlined our expectations below.
Acceptable Use of AI
AI can be a helpful assistant when used to support but not replace your own thinking. It is acceptable to use AI for:
- Improving clarity and structure
You may use AI to check spelling, grammar, refine wording, or help you organise your thoughts more clearly. - Research our organisation
AI can help you gather general background information, but our official website remains the most accurate and up‑to‑date source. - Practising interview questions
AI can be a useful tool for mock interviews, helping you rehearse how you might respond to common or role‑specific questions.
This use is similar to using a spell‑checker, a writing guide, or a study resource, it should support your preparation without replacing your own contribution.
Unacceptable use of AI tools
Your application must be your own work. To ensure fairness and authenticity, please avoid:
- Submitting AI‑generated answers or statements as your own
- Using AI to invent or exaggerate skills, experience, or achievements
- Relying on AI to write full responses to application questions
- Using AI in ways that make your answers generic, inconsistent, or unrepresentative of who you are
We expect that everything you submit reflects your real experience and that you can confidently discuss it during interviews or assessments.
Why this matters
Our selection process is designed to get to know you, your knowledge, skills, experiences, and your potential. AI can support your preparation, but it cannot replace the insight that comes from your own experience. Authenticity helps us make fair decisions and ensures you are set up for success if you join us.