JVR Africa Group Terms of Business

1. In General

Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new concept, the use of AI and generative AI models, specifically the Large Language Models such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and others have received significant attention recently.

AI can provide numerous benefits including automation of high volume or administrative and repetitive work. It can be fast, efficient, accurate, and infinitely available. It can allow for cost saving, productivity, enhanced decision-making, innovation, business development, and accelerated research. These benefits are invaluable in the highly challenging and complex world of work we live in.

JVR acknowledges the importance and valuable benefits that AI and generative AI can provide - also to psychology and all the people sciences. The benefits of AI, however, must be balanced with an ongoing consideration of ethical principles and the management of a variety of potential risks.

The purpose of this Policy Statement is to clarify the JVR position regarding the use of AI given that we believe that, particularly for us working in the field of psychology, the principle of “do no harm” must always remain a priority. 

2.  Best Practice Principles and Ethical Alignment

JVR agrees and aligns with the national and international guidelines for ethical and best practice use

of AI as is reflected in the formulations by, for instance:

• The EU in their AI Act

• ATP International

• The APA in their Policy Statement: AI in the Field of Psychology (Aug 2024 and their AI Fact Sheet)

• The ITC Guidelines for Technology-Based Assessment, 2022

• The HPCSA document: Guidance on the Ethical Use of AI in Social Media

• SIOPSA and specifically also work done by PsySSA: AI Resource Guide: Ethical and Private Use of

• ChatGPT for Psychologists

The above documents highlight the fact that particular care should be taken to ensure the ethical-, transparent, and unbiased use of AI. Specific attention must remain on basic human rights, on equity, diversity, the privacy of client information, data security, and the risks of relying on biased algorithms and data.

These entities also underline that the use of AI, such as ChatGPT for report writing or any other psychological/people intervention, must be declared. Copyright and IP must always be respected, and the content and references used by the large language models must be checked for quality and accuracy.

When using AI the psychologist/people practitioner remains legally responsible for the accuracy and impact of the assessment and/or treatment process, the report, its interpretation, and the accuracy of the feedback. No professional responsibility can be absolved; therefore, inaccurate, biased, misleading or deceptive content remain the responsibility of the professional person.

It is also advised that researchers, test developers, and those who manage assessment and/or treatment processes must always ensure transparency by informing the users of the services that AI is used for and of all possible risks that may exist. Clients specifically need to be informed should they be interacting with chatbots or deepfakes. It always remains best practice to have appropriately qualified professionals oversee all processes where AI is used or relied on.

3. JVR’s Principles

The principles of fairness, accuracy, reliability, and confidentiality as well as personal contact and oversight by professionally trained employees are adhered to in the work done with AI at JVR.

Any potential negative impacts of AI and generative AI models on employees or clients are identified and addressed according to legislation, best practice principles, and to the best of our ability.

4.  JVR’s Commitment

JVR subscribes to the following measures and protocols to ensure the responsible use of AI and generative AI models in all the work we do:

• Ethical considerations: We seek to ensure that our use of AI and generative AI models aligns with our professional ethics and organisational values, and keep in mind the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability as well as empathy, good judgment, and personal support. We strive to ensure that we take appropriate measures to prevent the use or perpetuation of harmful biases or discrimination in terms of ethical, social, and legal implications.

• Transparency: We commit to being transparent about how we use AI and generative AI models in our work, and in our products and services to our clients. Employees and clients will be informed about the role and purpose of AI and generative AI models, how their data is used and protected, and how they can address any concerns.

• Copyright and IP compliance: Our commitment to intellectual ownership always remains and we support the work we do with an absolute commitment to science and evidence-based practice.

• Data privacy: We prioritise the protection of privacy and confidentiality of all data held by JVR, also by ensuring that the data collected is only used for its intended purpose and is safeguarded in line with relevant data protection laws.

• Responsible use: We endeavour to use AI and generative AI models responsibly and ensure that their use does not negatively impact clients’ or employees' welfare or dignity and setting high standards of integrity and trust.

• Acceptable use: We commit to adhere to legislation, company guidelines, and industry regulations with the utilisation of AI and to ensure that sensitive data is managed with legal and ethical boundaries while all users of AI in JVR act transparently and utilise AI within the intent, scope, and boundaries it was created for across our business practices.

• Employee training: We provide training to our employees on how to use AI and generative AI models in the workplace, their benefits and limitations, and how to recognise and report any concerns or ethical issues. Also, those employees tasked with developing, implementing, maintaining, and supervising AI and generative AI applications at JVR attend training on the ethical, responsible, and best practice use of AI and generative AI models.

• Accountability: We ensure that the implementation of AI and generative AI models in the workplace is overseen by a designated team responsible for the ongoing monitoring, overseeing,and evaluation of the ethical and practical implications of their use.

• Continuous improvement: We continuously review and update our policies and practices regarding the use of AI and generative AI models in the workplace to ensure they align with best practices and evolving ethical considerations.

5.    In Summary

JVR is excited about the opportunities provided by AI. Speed can however not replace the critical importance of personal contact or the accuracy of the data, the scientific evidence, and the accuracy of information we rely on in doing our work and serving our clients. Speed and efficiency can also not replace human rights, the risks of cybercrime or loss of personal information, and data breaches.

The purpose of this JVR Policy Statement, is to indicate our commitment and best efforts to use AI responsibly, ethically, and transparently in all the work we do.