Responsible adoption does not require a huge governance programme. It requires clear purpose, appropriate safeguards, accountable people and evidence that the workflow performs as intended.
State the business problem, intended users, expected benefit and situations where the AI-supported workflow must not be used.
02
Protect information
Classify the data involved, confirm access rights, avoid unnecessary personal or confidential information and understand how suppliers handle submitted data.
03
Set human accountability
Name the person responsible for reviewing outputs, approving important decisions, handling exceptions and stopping the workflow when quality is uncertain.
04
Test, monitor and improve
Test with representative cases before wider use. Track quality, failure patterns, employee feedback and business outcomes after launch.
Document the workflow and controls
Train users on limitations
Create an escalation path
Review performance regularly
Retire uses that do not deliver value
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does responsible AI mean for an SME?
It means using AI for a defined purpose with proportionate data safeguards, human oversight, quality controls, transparency and accountability.
Does every AI use require the same controls?
No. Controls should reflect potential harm, data sensitivity, reversibility and the significance of decisions supported by the system.