- 10 September 2026
New research from the Chartered Governance has found that organisations are embedding artificial intelligence into decision-making far faster than governance systems are evolving to oversee it.
Drawing on evidence from governance professionals across the corporate, public, charity and education sectors, the research found broad agreement that AI adoption is advancing faster than organisations' ability to govern it effectively.
The findings show that AI is now widely used across organisations for activities ranging from reporting and analysis to compliance and governance processes. However, many boards lack clear visibility of how AI is being used across their organisations, particularly where adoption is taking place informally outside approved governance processes.
The report suggests that many organisations are using AI extensively without the governance frameworks, assurance mechanisms and oversight capability needed to govern it effectively. While AI is becoming increasingly embedded in organisational decision-making, accountability remains firmly with boards and senior leaders.
The research identified a growing gap between operational adoption and governance maturity. While AI use is becoming routine across many functions, formal AI governance structures remain underdeveloped. Organisations reported limited use of pilot evaluation frameworks, scaling measures, accountability structures and governance mechanisms designed specifically to oversee AI use.
Researchers also identified a significant capability gap. Although awareness of AI among boards is relatively high, confidence in challenging AI-generated outputs and overseeing AI-enabled decision-making remains low. Respondents strongly supported the need for greater practical competence and board-level AI literacy.
Dr Valentina Dotto, Policy Adviser at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland and author of the report, said:
"Our research found broad agreement across sectors that AI adoption is advancing faster than organisations' ability to govern it effectively.
"Many boards recognise the opportunities AI presents, yet they often have limited visibility over how these systems are being used across their organisations. Governance frameworks, oversight structures and board capability are not developing at the same pace as adoption.
"Boards need clear oversight of where AI is being used, how decisions are being influenced and what controls are in place to ensure outcomes remain explainable and accountable."
The report argues that governance is increasingly shifting from reviewing individual decisions towards overseeing the systems that generate and influence them. This places greater emphasis on transparency, auditability, assurance and organisational controls.
The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is calling on organisations to strengthen visibility over AI use, embed AI within governance and risk frameworks, improve board oversight capability and ensure accountability remains clear wherever AI is deployed.
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into governance, compliance and reporting activities, the Institute argues that organisations should approach AI as a governance issue requiring board oversight and organisational accountability, rather than solely as a technology project.
Read the research
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