UK HR Hub · Updated Jul 2026

AI tools for UK people teams, mapped to UK GDPR & ERA 1996

A curated stack for HR directors, people ops and talent leaders — covering hiring, onboarding, engagement, policy and analytics. Every tool is assessed for UK/EU data residency, Article 22 exposure and DPA availability.

GDPR ReadyUK Hosting

Where AI fits in a UK-compliant HR workflow

Risk ratings are editorial guidance. Combine with a DPIA and your organisation's employment counsel.

Low risk

Drafting job ads and inclusive JDs

Bias-aware language, readability scoring, faster hiring cycles.

Human review keeps this low-risk. Log tool use in your recruiter runbook to evidence fair-hiring practice.

Medium risk

Interview scheduling and candidate Q&A

Conversational AI that handles logistics and FAQs.

Confirm the vendor stores candidate data in UK/EU regions and offers a UK GDPR-compliant DPA. Provide a human escalation path.

High risk

Automated screening or scoring of candidates

AI-driven CV ranking, video assessment or personality inference.

High risk under UK GDPR Article 22 (automated decisions). Complete a DPIA, keep a human in the loop, and disclose the process in your privacy notice.

The vetted stack

Each tool has been reviewed for UK/EU processing, DPA availability and training opt-out.

Full directory

Textio

Paid

Bias-aware writing assistant for job ads and performance reviews.

Best for · Inclusive job descriptions

Paradox (Olivia)

Paid

Conversational AI that screens, schedules and answers candidate questions.

Best for · High-volume recruiting

Leena AI

Paid

Employee-facing AI agent for HR helpdesk, policies and ticket deflection.

Best for · HR service desk automation

Effy AI

Freemium

AI-generated 360 reviews and performance summaries from Slack/Teams.

Best for · Lightweight performance reviews

Notion AI

Freemium

Draft handbooks, policies and onboarding wikis inside your existing docs.

Best for · Policy and handbook drafting

Otter.ai

Freemium

Records and summarises 1:1s, interviews and grievance meetings.

Best for · Interview & 1:1 notes

Procurement checklist

Before you deploy AI in hiring or people ops

  • DPIA completed for automated candidate decisions (Art. 22 UK GDPR)
  • Lawful basis defined for employee monitoring / analytics
  • Vendor DPA executed with UK/EU data residency
  • Training opt-out configured for confidential HR inputs
  • Privacy notice updated to disclose AI use in recruitment
  • Grievance and appeals path preserved for AI-assisted decisions
Further reading

Authoritative UK sources

Frequently asked questions

Can UK employers use AI to screen CVs?

Yes, but automated decisions with legal or similarly significant effects trigger UK GDPR Article 22. You need a lawful basis, a DPIA, meaningful human review and clear disclosure to candidates.

Is it lawful to record interviews with AI note-takers?

You must inform candidates before recording, obtain a clear lawful basis (usually legitimate interests with a balancing test), store recordings in the UK/EU and delete within a defined retention period.

Which AI tools comply with UK GDPR?

Vendors offering signed DPAs, UK/EU processing regions, zero-training on customer data and SOC 2 / ISO 27001 assurance are appropriate. Every tool in our vetted stack is flagged against these criteria.

Editorial guidance from AI Stack UK. Not legal advice. For decisions with employment-law consequences, consult qualified UK employment counsel.