GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel summary: 14 September 2026
Updated 24 September 2026
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The GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel held its third meeting in September 2026. The Chair reflected on the panel’s work since its previous meeting and outlined the focus for the session, including updates from subgroups, discussion of a new government AI project and consideration of the panel’s future priorities.
The meeting opened with an update from Emily Middleton – Interim Director General for Digital Transformation - on recent organisational changes across government and the implications for work on public sector AI adoption. Members discussed the importance of effective cross-government coordination and ensuring that the wider public sector and local government are represented in emerging AI governance arrangements.
The panel considered how responsible AI should be defined and put into practice across the public sector. Members discussed different approaches to framing responsible AI, the importance of demonstrating and evaluating responsible practice, and how future measures could support organisations to assess their AI readiness, maturity and adoption.
Members next reviewed the Department for Education and AI’s developing approach to assessing AI tutoring tools. Discussion covered safety and assurance, appropriate teacher supervision, the need for clear conditions on how assessed tools may be used, and the importance of reassessing products as they change. The panel also emphasised the need for clear guidance for schools and colleges, alongside a strong evidence base for understanding the longer-term effects of these tools.
The panel also discussed responsible AI procurement. Members explored how procurement requirements could strengthen transparency, accountability and assurance without creating unnecessary barriers for suppliers. They encouraged a test-and-learn approach, drawing on experience from other sectors and involving suppliers, workers and the public where appropriate to help strengthen trust in procurement decisions.
The Department of Health and Social Care introduced its AI Health Coach project to the panel for discussion for the coming months, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of priorities for the remainder of the panel’s pilot year.