Explore how public facing AI assistants could improve access to justice
Read the full detail of action 2.4 on GOV.UK. (opens in a new tab)
Year 1 progress
In Year 1, the MOJ has focused in the first instance on how we can best leverage the GOV.UK Chat (opens in a new tab) solution, which provides a 'one-stop shop' for citizens seeking information from GOV.UK. We have also piloted 'Fred', a probation chatbot, designed to support both people on probation and staff by improving access to guidance and reducing routine enquiries.
Year 2 priorities
In Year 2, we will continue engaging with the Government Digital Service to ensure that GOV.UK Chat provides accurate responses to justice-related queries with appropriate safeguards in place. We will also assess further opportunities for public-facing AI assistants, both within and outside government, to help people access justice information more easily.
Case studies (1)
Fred (Probation Chatbot)Pilot
Fred is an AI-powered chatbot that helps people on probation understand their requirements and stay on track with appointments, unpaid work, licence conditions, and rehabilitation activities. By providing clear, accessible information when it is needed, Fred helps people navigate probation more confidently and reduces uncertainty about what is expected of them.
As part of wider efforts to modernise probation services, Fred demonstrates how AI can make public services more accessible, responsive and user-centred. By providing personalised guidance and on-demand support, the tool aims to improve engagement, support compliance, and enable probation staff to focus on higher-value, person-centred interactions. Fred does not make any decisions regarding sentence management, nor does it discuss content outside of probation.
The project is currently being piloted in London, Norfolk and North Kent. Early feedback from both people on probation and practitioners has been very positive.
One individual reflected: “When I left prison, I was completely isolated, with addiction and mental health struggles. If I'd had Fred to talk to, it would have been a lifeline”.
