BCS policy recommendations for responsible AI:

BCS welcomes the government’s  AI Opportunities Action Plan. In addition we believe responsible adoption and development of AI depends on trust that is built on strong professional standards and transparent, accountable and ethical oversight. As AI becomes central to economic growth and public services, the UK must ensure it is developed by competent IT professionals, with clear safeguards, public transparency, and investment in skills and education.

  • Require AI practitioners to be professionally registered (ideally Chartered) to uphold standards of competence, ethics, and accountability.
  • Align UK AI governance with international frameworks such as the EU AI Act, G7, and OECD guidelines.
  • Ensure organisations, including the government, are transparent about AI use, and subject to independent audit.
  • Engage with civic society and listen to their concerns about algorithmic decision making, and informed consent for AI products and services.
  • Address workforce diversity and job displacement through inclusive recruitment and retraining initiatives.
  • Promote AI education through reforms in computing education and public awareness campaigns.
  • Expand digital skills training for all to increase understanding of the risks and opportunities of AI.

BCS news coverage and consultation responses on AI

BCS speaks regularly to government and a range of stakeholders to ensure that professional standards – and tech professionals themselves – are at the heart of AI’s development.

Full list of BCS responses to all consultations available here

Take a look at our most recent papers and reports or view all of our published policy papers.

Join in

Discover BCS membership! You’ll be joining a thriving community of IT professionals and benefits include access to regular events, conferences, meetings, as well the chance to join our members’ groups such as the ICT Ethics specialist group, or the Law Specialist Group.

Share your support

We want AI to be a force for good, transforming every area of our lives from healthcare to the workplace.

By adding your name to the Open Letter, you agree the UK can help lead and implement international standards for how AI will ‘grow up’ responsibly and for the benefit of society.

Sign the open letter

Get involved

Do you want to know more about our policy work or have views about STEM policy you’d like to share? Would your organisation like to get involved with our STEM research or carry out a joint campaign with BCS? If so, we want to hear from you! To share your opinions and to find out more about partnering with us, get in touch at policyhub@bcs.uk