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?
When members are logged into the website, there will be a chat icon on the top right hand side of the screen on both desktop and mobile. Click on the icon to access the AI Assistant. There will also be a pop-up message above the chat icon to highlight its purpose.
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?'
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, starting in early 2026 for stage 1 and March 2026 for stage 2.
Stage 1 references frequently asked questions on pay, contracts and leave. Stage 2 will also include content from pension-related pages and additional pages regarding doctors' contracts, fees and pay. The trial will run until July 2026.
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.