This week's AI policy update.

First, the reshuffle: all change at DSIT

Following the UK Government reshuffle last weekend, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has a new ministerial team.

Former Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP becomes Secretary of State at DSIT, while Kanishka Narayan MP becomes Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, focused on AI, among other areas.

While the team is different, Callum Anderson MP suggests the goals remain the same as the Government continues to drive forward the UK’s science and tech ambitions. See Callum’s post for more here: https://lnkd.in/ejaMRQxR.

For those in AI policy, the reshuffle means engaging with the new team, helping ministers get up to speed and reemphasising policy asks. For many, the time to engage will be after Labour Party Conference, as diaries begin to return to normal. (See James Marshall CBE's update here for more post-reshuffle tips: https://lnkd.in/eqz7D2BM?)

Second, new roadmaps: greater assurance

Narrowly missing last week’s update and sticking with the UK, DSIT has launched its Trusted third-party AI assurance roadmap, which is intended to ensure the widespread adoption of safe and responsible AI in the UK.

As the excellent Tess Buckley of techUK explains, the roadmap sets out four steps the Government will take to spur the growth and improve the quality of the UK’s AI assurance ecosystem.

These steps include helping professionalise AI assurance in the UK and creating a fund to develop solutions to future-proof the market, among other areas.

See Tess’s insightful post here: https://lnkd.in/euM9pi6u? and Dan Howl's post for his take from the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT: https://lnkd.in/egjDGzsn.

Finally, new coalition launches: the Business AI Alliance

The Business AI Alliance launched this week to advocate for a stronger voice for SMEs in the UK AI ecosystem.

As Richard Davis, co-founder of the group, says, “SMEs are the lifeblood of innovation and job creation”, and yet they are often unheard in the AI policy debate.

The group aims to act as a voice for UK AI SMEs to influence and shape policy, regulation and strategic direction, fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem.

See Richard’s post here for more and how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/e4gKbZ7k.