Deep-dive webinar on sector-specific AI assurance in defence

The UK has set an ambition to establish itself as a global leader in AI development and deployment, positioning the nation at the forefront of technological innovation while driving economic growth and competitiveness. Central to this vision is the UK's pioneering work in AI assurance, developing the ecosystem designed to support justified trust in systems through evidenced based action. This comprehensive approach to risk mitigation has been seen to support responsible AI adoption, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate access to capital for innovative ventures.  

This deep dive webinar session explores a chapter in techUK’s recently released paper titled A Maturing AI Assurance Ecosystem: Sector Specific Applications. Reflecting on the key findings of the Defence chapter, this 1-hour session will dedicate 45 minutes of panel discussion between contributors before opening to the attendees for 15 minutes of questions and contributions.

Key discussion topics will be informed by the structure of the report’s chapter:  

• Understanding the Defence chapter context  

• Risk profile, regulatory environment and duties of care  

• Ethical principles interpretations and applications  

• Current AI Assurance approaches with sector agnostic frameworks  

• Sector specific guidance and examples of AI assurance in action  

• What Defence can learn from other low risk appetite, safety critical and highly regulated sectors included in the 

  techUK report

• Recommendations and next steps  

Confirmed speakers 

The paper identifies three areas requiring policy and market attention to strengthen the UK's AI assurance ecosystem:  

1. Framework consolidation: Support organisations to reduce complexity by building on established assurance practices rather than creating new ones.  

2. Sector-specific adaptation: Develop applications of ethical principles and guidelines of use that respect existing foundations while aligning with sector obligations, duties of care and skill levels.  

3. Cross-sector knowledge transfer: Establish formal mechanisms to share successful lessons learnt and joint pilots where appropriate creating opportunities for innovations in one domain that can be adapted successfully to others.  

Building on techUK's Digital Ethics Working Group's previous work on operationalising ethical principles and developing skills for responsible AI practitioners, this paper aims to continue our support of developing the UK's AI assurance ecosystem.

These three recommendations, taken together, could position the UK to lead globally in responsible AI adoption and assurance whilst maintaining the innovation-friendly environment essential for technological advancement and economic competitiveness. 

Other webinars in the AI Assurance Series: