Insights
Successfully integrating AI into an organisation requires a comprehensive strategy encompassing proactive risk management, ethical governance, continuous learning and culture change. There is no onesize-fits-all approach. What may work well for one organisation may not work for others.
Leveraging reusable patterns, such as those highlighted in the Voluntary AI Safety Standard, RAI patterns17 and process metrics18, can streamline the adoption process and ensure best practices are followed. The following best practice recommendations aim to guide organisations in effectively adopting and managing AI technologies while ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals and ethical standards.
A checklist for AI governance
| Action | Check |
| Adopt a proactive approach: Organisations should continuously learn and adapt to the evolving AI landscape. This involves fostering a culture of proactive risk management and ethical AI deployment. By staying ahead of technological advancements and potential risks, organisations can better navigate the complexities of AI integration. | |
| Integrate AI into existing frameworks: AI considerations should be integrated into existing organisational structures such as ESG frameworks. This ensures that AI deployment aligns with broader organisational and governance goals. Add AI specific frameworks on top to address AI specific issues and to ensure that there are no gaps. Standards such as ISO42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence management system and the Australian Government’s Voluntary AI Safety Standard can help with this. | |
| Enhance digital literacy and education: Boards and executives must prioritise digital literacy and upskilling to effectively engage with AI-related issues. Continuous education and training programs are essential to equip employees with the necessary skills and understanding of AI technologies. These programs should focus on developing intuitive standards and clear guidance for both technical and non-technical users, fostering a knowledgeable and adaptable workforce. | |
| Adopt the Voluntary AI Safety Standard: Adopt comprehensive governance frameworks that address both internal and third-party AI use. The Voluntary AI Safety Standard supports safe and responsible AI deployment across all levels of the organisation, including suppliers and partners. Integrate AI considerations into existing governance frameworks and policies, such as developing a hardened sandbox environment for testing AI systems and ensuring comprehensive supplier risk management. | |
| Foster collaboration and adhere to standards: Global collaboration and adherence to international standards are crucial for effective AI governance. Aligning with frameworks such as the EU AI Act and other international guidelines ensures responsible AI deployment and promotes consistency across different jurisdictions. Collaboration also involves sharing best practices and leveraging reusable patterns like RAI to streamline AI adoption. |
For any assistance with addressing the AI governance needs of your organisation, do not hesitate to contact your local PKF Audit and governance expert.
1 Nov 2024
Contributors
Ken Weldin
Partner
Melbourne
Related insights
Insights
Over the past year, PKF, working with the Governance Institute of Australia, Macquarie University’s DataX Research Centre, and other expert organisations, has supported an important research study to assess the data governance landscape in Australia. The findings are unexpected and motivating.Survey participants and process In August 2023, the Governance Institute...
Ken Weldin
Partner
Melbourne
Insights
AI’s enabling power spans diverse applications and fields. Unlike traditional technologies, AI possesses the ability to learn, adapt, and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, making it a versatile tool for organisations seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. AI fosters collaboration between humans and machines, augmenting...
Ken Weldin
Partner
Melbourne
Insights
The integration of AI into various sectors presents a unique blend of risks and opportunities that organisations must skillfully navigate. This section explores the dual nature of AI’s impact, focusing on the practical implications for business and society, offering a more pragmatic exploration of how AI reshapes industries and introduces...
Ken Weldin
Partner
Melbourne