BCS is proud to be working with government on the launch of the Roadmap to Trusted Third-Party AI Assurance.
The Roadmap reflects long-standing recommendations from our members on how to create a trustworthy, ethical community of AI assurance professionals.
Key measures in the plans, published today by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) include:
- Establishing an AI assurance profession, with practitioners following a clear code of ethics
- Forming a consortium — bringing together professional bodies, civil society and industry to shape the registrations and certifications that will underpin trust
- Developing standards and skills to grow this emerging market and support responsible innovation
What is AI assurance?
AI assurance refers to the processes that measure, evaluate and communicate the trustworthiness of AI systems. It enables organisations to demonstrate their compliance with regulatory expectations and ethical standards, helping build public and market confidence.
Assurance is a developing ecosystem of tools, skills, standards, governance approaches and professional practice. The UK Government recognises the need for a diverse, flexible and skills-driven ecosystem to underpin responsible and trustworthy AI.
Why does AI assurance matter?
The UK is the third largest AI market in the world, after the US and China.
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In order for this growth to continue in a sustainable and ethical way, and for it to operate in the interests of the wider public, AI systems must be underpinned by an agreed level of professionalism. That professionalism must be evidenced, visible and trustworthy.
Simply put, AI assurance means that we can trust the AI systems that affect our lives.
What is the Roadmap?
The Roadmap outlines how the government will support the development of an AI assurance market for the UK, one that they claim will, ‘increase confidence in AI, drive growth and make the UK the most attractive home for businesses seeking to adopt AI.’
What has been BCS’ role and why is BCS involved?
Professionalism, accountability and trust are central to BCS’ mission to make IT good for society. The Roadmap rightly embeds these concepts at the heart of the vision on AI assurance. BCS and our members have regularly engaged with DSIT and our recommendations feature throughout the Roadmap.
What happens now?
The next step is the establishment of a consortium of stakeholders from industry, professional bodies and quality infrastructure. Over the first year, it will set out the foundations for a future AI assurance profession, including a code of ethics and a skills framework, paving the way for professional certification and stronger standards across the sector.
BCS will continue to work with DSIT and the government more widely on standards, ethics and professionalism.
Read the full Roadmap to Trusted Third-party AI Assurance.
Image: Feryal Clark MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government
