Between Promise and Practice: How the UK VCSE Sector Adopts Generative AI

Generative AI technologies offer potential benefits for resource-constrained organisations, yet adoption patterns remain understudied in economically disadvantaged regions. This paper investigates how Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations in North East England perceive and engage with these emerging technologies through survey data (n=34) and qualitative responses. We identify a significant digital divide, with adoption hindered by data privacy concerns and limited technical expertise. Among adopters, content creation and productivity represent key motivations, though implementation typically lacks formal governance structures. We observe tensions between individual and organisational readiness, alongside uncertainty about what constitutes AI use. Our findings contribute to understanding adoption in resource-constrained environments and inform future approaches that address the unique needs of this vital sector.