Vale of Glamorgan Council has introduced an AI-powered note-taking tool called Notes, developed by Beam, to help staff cut down on paperwork and focus more on frontline care.
The technology records conversations, where consent is given, and produces a structured draft of meetings or assessments, which social workers then review, edit, and approve.
Cllr Eddie Williams, cabinet member for social care and health, said: “Social services is about people. It’s about listening to residents, understanding what matters to them and working with them to provide the right support at what can often be a very difficult time in their lives.
“That’s why we’re looking at ways technology can take some of the administrative pressure away from our social workers and give them more time for the conversations and relationships that really matter.”
The council says the tool is helping staff spend less time on case notes and more time supporting residents, without compromising professional judgement or decision-making.
Sian Palmer, a social worker, said: “As someone with dyslexia, I sometimes find it challenging to express my thoughts and ideas in the professional and polished way that I would like.
“Having access to Notes and AI support has significantly improved my confidence in communicating effectively and professionally.
“The ability to dictate case notes and record my thoughts directly into Notes, and then refine the details to suit my needs, has had a very positive impact on my work.
“It enables me to produce clear, professional documentation more efficiently, while ensuring that my intended meaning is accurately conveyed.”
The benefits extend beyond time-saving.
Jayne Case, another social worker, said the tool improves both workflow and communication with clients.
She said: “I did this assessment at 11 o’clock yesterday and finished at half past 12.
“By the time I got back to my office, Notes had already typed up the assessments.
“From the time I started the assessments until the time my actual paperwork had all gone through to management for agreement took me probably about two and a half to three hours.
“It would usually take me about two days.”
The tool is now in use by more than 100 local authorities across the UK.
Its introduction forms part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s broader transformation programme, known as Reshaping, which aims to improve services through better use of technology.
