BMA AI Assistant

We are trialling an AI Assistant in the members area of the BMA website to help you to quickly resolve simple queries.
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Why are we trialling the AI Assistant?

The AI Assistant will enable members to resolve simple queries quicker while allowing our adviser teams to concentrate on complex, high-impact cases.

The main objective of the beta trial is to assess whether the AI Assistant can effectively answer member queries with relevant accuracy, and recognise and provide a steer to contact the BMA when it cannot.

 

What does 'beta trial' mean?

A beta trial is a stage of development where a pre-release version is given to a limited group of real users for testing before its official launch. The purpose is to find and fix bugs, gather feedback on usability, and identify any issues in a real-world environment, ultimately improving the final product before it is widely released. 

 

How do I access the AI Assistant?

Members will need to log into the website to access the AI Assistant. There will be a chat icon on the top right-hand side of any web page (including this one) that features the AI Assistant (on both desktop and mobile). There will also be a pop-up message above the chat icon to highlight its purpose. The chat icon appears on all pages in the Pay and Contracts area. 

 

Do I have to be a member to use the AI Assistant?

Yes, for the purpose of the beta trial the AI Assistant will only appear once you are signed into the BMA website as a member. Therefore, non-members or members who haven’t signed in won’t see the chat icon.  

Note: if you work in one of the Crown Dependencies then please use our webform to raise your query instead.

 

What should I use the AI Assistant for?

You should use the AI Assistant to help answer simple employment queries. For example, try asking it:

  • 'What is the process for job planning?' Or,
  • 'What are the entitlements of the NHS maternity scheme?'

You can also use it to ask about your BMA membership subscription. For example, try asking it:

  • 'How do I change my direct debit with you?' Or,
  • 'I am on maternity leave, how can I claim my reduced subscription?'


Tip: Phrasing your question differently can sometimes give better results. 

For instance, rather than ask "How much should I be paid?" try asking "What is the pay range for an FY2 Resident doctor?".

Asking follow up questions will also refine the answers the AI Assistant gives you.

 

What shouldn’t I use the AI Assistant for?

If you have a question about your personal circumstances and need to talk it through with a person, you should not use the AI Assistant. Instead, you should use our webform directly - for example, if you need assistance interpreting your employment terms, or you are facing an employment issue where you need the direct support of one of our advisers.

 

What content does the AI Assistant have access to?

As the beta trial progresses, the AI assistant will have access to an increasing number of pages on the BMA website only. Mainly these are in the Pay and Contracts area, although it also references a small number of pages in the Advice and Support and Campaigns areas of the website.

The trial is in two stages over a 6-month period, Stage 1 references frequently asked questions on pay, contracts, leave, and membership. Stage 2 will include additional content based on successful outcome from Stage 1.

The trial will not reference information about committees, news and opinion pieces, or events. You should continue to use the site search or browse these areas for this content.

 

What if I still have questions after using the AI assistant?

If the AI Assistant doesn’t fully answer your questions, please submit a webform enquiry via our Contact us page and one of our advisers will come back to you.

 

What happens if I put personal or confidential information into the AI assistant?

We explicitly ask that you do not enter personal details or confidential information into the AI assistant chat window. Any personal or confidential information you do provide will not be acted on.

We will always treat any personal data in line with our privacy policy and all data collected is deleted after 12 months.

 

AI Chatbot Pilot – Risk Management Summary

We recognise that any AI project carries real risks, particularly in areas where members rely on us for accurate, trustworthy information. That’s why we’re approaching this pilot with caution, transparency and strong governance.

The beta trial is intentionally limited in scope and designed to test safety, accuracy and user experience before any wider rollout is considered.

Key Controls and Safeguards

  • Controlled beta trial: The Assistant is being tested to assess accuracy, reliability and its ability to recognise when it cannot answer a query.
  • Restricted data sources: The system draws exclusively on existing, approved BMA website content. It does not access external sources.
  • Guidance only, not advice: The Assistant provides general information and always links back to source material. Guardrails prevent it from offering personalised or advisory responses. Where these are needed it refers the member to our advisory staff.
  • Phased content introduction: Stage 1 covers pay, contracts and membership. Further content will only be considered in Stage 2 if Stage 1 demonstrates safe performance.
  • Rigorous testing before further content: Scenario based testing will confirm the Assistant answers appropriate queries accurately and declines those outside scope. Relevant subject matter experts and teams will be directly involved.
  • AI safety evaluation: The pilot includes misalignment testing, factual accuracy checks, boundary pushing scenarios, escalation routes to human experts, and strict content filters.
  • Optional use: Members can choose whether to use the AI Assistant, with clear routes to contact BMA staff at any point.