UK Government Lacks AI Ethics Officers as Public Sector Adoption Soars, Raising Accountability Fears

No Dedicated AI Ethics Officers in UK Government Departments Amid Growing AI Use

AI is being adopted quickly across UK public sector departments, yet none have appointed dedicated AI Ethics Officers. This gap in ethical oversight raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the risks of unchecked automation as government services transform digitally.

A Freedom of Information request reviewed by the Parliament Street think tank found that key departments such as the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Health & Social Care, and Department for Work & Pensions confirmed they do not have individuals or teams focused solely on AI ethics. This is despite significant investment in AI systems and infrastructure, with over 60% of public sector organisations already deploying or investing in AI solutions.

“Introducing AI ethics officers across Government is no longer optional – it’s essential,” said Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics. “Without ethical oversight, departments risk adopting AI tools without fully considering their societal impact or long-term consequences.”

Urgent Need for Dedicated AI Ethics Roles

While most departments have Chief Data Officers responsible for AI strategy, critics argue this role cannot replace dedicated ethical governance positions. Concerns grow as AI tools are rolled out in public-facing services where issues like algorithmic bias, poor data quality, or lack of accountability could damage public trust.

“Data must be central to AI strategy,” Harvey added. “Deploying AI before ensuring data quality and suitability risks costly errors and reputational damage.”

Transparency and Collaboration Are Critical

The Government has expressed commitment to ethical AI frameworks, with recent budgets allocating funds for AI innovation in the public sector. However, experts warn that investing in innovation without clear ethical guardrails may backfire.

“AI is transforming how businesses operate, improving data analysis, fraud detection, and forecasting,” said Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director of Zoho UK. “But accountability in ethical AI use is essential for any organisation deploying these technologies.”

Agrawal advocates for greater transparency in AI deployment by public bodies: “Government departments should ensure AI systems align with public values to avoid risks like loss of trust and embedded bias affecting UK citizens.”

He also stresses the importance of collaboration across government, industry, and academia to develop frameworks that support safe and ethical AI use as adoption expands.

Balancing Innovation Speed with Ethical Oversight

As digital infrastructure modernises, the absence of AI ethics officers raises questions about how quickly innovation should proceed without dedicated governance. The UK’s ambition to be a leader in AI depends on establishing practical oversight structures that ensure responsible adoption in government.

• Departments currently lack dedicated AI ethics teams despite widespread AI use.
• Chief Data Officers cover strategy, but ethical governance roles are missing.
• Public trust could be undermined by bias, poor data, and lack of accountability.
• Experts call for transparency and collaboration to embed ethical AI frameworks.

Government professionals involved in AI deployment should consider pushing for clear ethical roles to safeguard public interest and maintain trust as AI becomes integral to public services.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of AI governance and ethical AI practices, Complete AI Training offers a range of courses tailored to public sector needs.