AI tool summary for DPOs and governors
Mendeley (AI features)
Elsevier · Facts last checked 2026-10-23 · Printed 23 October 2026
AI Prefect
Staff: Amber · Use with caution
- Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
- Doesn’t say where data is stored
- No school DPA found
Pupils: Amber · Use with caution
- Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
- Doesn’t say where data is stored
- No school DPA found
| Supplier | Elsevier |
|---|---|
| Category | reference manager AI |
| Pupil-facing | yes - students and researchers |
| Processor or controller | not stated |
| Where data is stored | not stated |
| Trains AI models on inputs | no - zero-retention agreements with LLM providers; aggregated anonymised patterns only |
| How long inputs are kept | zero retention at model providers |
| Data processing agreement (DPA) | not stated |
| Signs individual DPAs with schools | not stated |
| UK GDPR representative / DPO | not stated |
| Minimum age | not stated |
| Key safety note | Elsevier advises not to enter personal or sensitive data |
| Main use | Reference manager |
Before using it: check the minimum age fits your pupils, confirm a data processing agreement is in place, switch off AI training where possible, and record the decision in your DPIA.
Sources: https://www.elsevier.support/mendeley/answer/getting-started-with-mendeley-ai · https://www.elsevier.com/about/responsible-ai
Full entry: aiprefect.co.uk/tools/mendeley. Rating is a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. “Not stated” means we could not find it in their documents. This is not legal advice and does not replace your DPIA.