Building an AI Governance Board
AI is not just an IT problem. It's a legal, ethical, and operational challenge. You need a cross-functional team to steer the ship.
The Role of the Board
An AI Governance Board (or Committee) is responsible for approving high-risk AI use cases, setting policy, and ensuring alignment with corporate values and regulations.
Who Should Be on the Board?
A successful board needs diverse perspectives. We recommend the following composition:
The Chair (C-Level Sponsor)
Usually the CIO, CTO, or Chief Data Officer. They have the final tie-breaking vote and budget authority.
Legal & Compliance
Essential for navigating the EU AI Act, GDPR, and intellectual property risks.
Ethics & HR
Responsible for bias mitigation, workforce impact, and ensuring "human-in-the-loop" processes.
The Charter
The board needs a clear charter defining its scope. Key questions to answer:
- Thresholds: Which projects require board approval? (e.g., "All customer-facing GenAI")
- Frequency: How often does the board meet? (Monthly is standard)
- Veto Power: Can the board kill a project for ethical reasons, even if it's profitable?
Download Charter Template
Get our pre-written AI Governance Board Charter (Word Doc) to jumpstart your committee.