Introduction

For public sector bodies, charities, and NHS organisations, every investment must be justified — not just in terms of financial return, but impact, sustainability, and public trust. When it comes to AI and automation, the common question senior leaders often include:

Is this worth the cost?
How do we know it will work?
How can we prove value to our board, funders, or regulators?

We, at Intellimorph, know how to build a compelling business case for AI in mission-driven environments, even when budgets are tight.

Let us share how we do this, using our 5 step approach to show how AI can work for your organisation, and is definitely worth the cost!

5 Steps to Building the Business Case for AI

Step 1 - We Re-frame ROI for the Public and Nonprofit Sectors

Traditional ROI metrics often fall short when applied to public or charitable outcomes. Instead, frame AI value in terms of:

Cost avoidance (e.g., reducing reliance on temporary staff)
Service improvements (e.g., faster triage or fewer missed appointments)
Staff efficiency and well-being
Improved outcomes for service users

Where possible, tie AI initiatives to your KPIs and strategic goals — from reducing inequalities to improving service access.

Step 2 - We Quantify the ‘Hidden Costs’ You Can Solve

Much of the value of AI lies in tackling inefficiencies we’ve learned to live with:

Manual data entry
Slow admin-heavy processes
Missed insights from unstructured data
Reactive rather than predictive service delivery

Use internal time-tracking or service logs to estimate time and cost wasted on repetitive tasks — and show how automation or AI can reclaim that time.

Step 3 - We start with Proof of Values: Start Small, Measure Early

Use pilot initiatives to gather data and build confidence. Intellimorph can help identify use case for AI, and to build Proof of Value (not Proof of Concept!) to bring you a positive ROI right from the off! For example:

Automating 50% of inbound email triage
Using AI to predict high-risk cases in safeguarding
Generating draft letters using LLMs

Measure time saved, user satisfaction, and downstream benefits (e.g., faster service delivery, fewer complaints).

Step 4 - We include Qualitative Impact

The business case isn’t just about numbers. We engage with your teams to capture testimonials, staff feedback, and stories that demonstrate impact. Examples:

“This saved me hours a week I can now spend supporting families directly.”
“I’m no longer overwhelmed by admin — I can focus on what matters.”

Real voices make the case more compelling to boards and stakeholders.

Step 5 - We Address Risks and Build Confidence

Intellimorph anticipates concerns around cost, ethics, and trust, and include them in the business case.

Conclusion

AI isn’t just about Digital Workers or comple AI algorithms — it’s about making time, insight, and impact more accessible in cash-strapped environments. Intellimorph can deliver a strong business case that shows AI isn’t a luxury. On the contrary, it’s a strategic enabler that helps your organisation deliver its mission — faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

Contact us to see how we can make emerging tech work for your business so that your people can do what they are made for.

Insights & Resources

AI for Social Good: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Purpose-Driven Organisations

Building the Business Case for AI – ROI, Cost Avoidance & Impact

Getting Started with AI: A Roadmap for Public Sector & Charity Leaders