Strengthening AI Governance in the UK Charity Sector

As charities increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) across their services and activities, trustees are expected to extend their governance responsibilities to encompass the risks and opportunities that these technologies present.

In discharging their duties under the Charity Governance Code, trustees and governors are expected to act with integrity, exercise proper oversight, manage risk effectively and protect their charity’s reputation, beneficiaries and resources. Those responsibilities now extend to the use of AI, whether in fundraising, service delivery, communications, decision-making, or administration. Strong AI governance is therefore essential for UK-based non-profit organisations because it helps ensure that AI is used lawfully, ethically and transparently, with appropriate human oversight, clear accountability and safeguards around data protection, bias, accuracy and cyber risk.

Without a clear framework for approval, monitoring and review, AI can expose charities to regulatory, operational and reputational harm. With proper governance, it can instead support innovation, efficiency and public trust in a way that is consistent with charitable purpose and trustees’ legal obligations.

So, what can you do to ensure you are following AI governance appropriately?

Review your governance structures, clarify responsibilities, and work with us to build an AI framework that supports compliance, innovation and public trust. Contact us to get started.

As one of the leaders and drivers of digital transformation we have been helping organisations navigate what are becoming widely used AI tools and therefore organisations need to develop a practical AI strategy and proportionate governance framework.

Our experts are helping trustees and leadership teams assess risk, clarify responsibilities, implement appropriate policies and controls, and use AI with greater confidence in support of their mission.