IoD INED Forum on AI Governance

Practical Boardroom Lessons for the AI Era

Non-Executive Directors gathered in Dublin for our latest INED Forum event, 'The NED Guide to AI: Client Stories and Practical Insights'. In partnership with PwC. The event explored the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for boards and examined how directors can provide effective oversight as AI becomes increasingly embedded within organisations.

Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland, opened the event by highlighting the forum's role in bringing Independent Non-Executive Directors together for a forward-looking discussion on AI governance. The event also marked the full launch of IoD Ireland's AI Governance Toolkit, a practical resource designed to support directors in strengthening board oversight of AI.

The event included insights from Rachel Higham, former Chief Digital and Technology Officer at BT, WPP and Marks & Spencer, and Moira Cronin, Partner at PwC Ireland. During the conversation, Rachel shared insights from her experience leading large-scale digital transformation programmes and implementing AI solutions across global organisations. The discussion examined how boards can balance innovation with accountability while navigating evolving regulatory, cyber and reputational risks.

Key Takeaways for Directors From the NED Guide to AI IoD Event

• Trust is a board-level responsibility. Effective governance provides the confidence needed to innovate while protecting reputation, stakeholder trust and organisational resilience.
• Digital humility matters. Directors do not need to be technical experts, but they do need to continuously build AI literacy, ask informed questions and seek external perspectives. The importance of asking questions to strive for clarity and understanding is key, especially when technical jargon may be used in boardroom discussions. 
• Clear accountability is essential. Organisations must establish ownership for AI outcomes, governance processes and human oversight mechanisms. It was noted that responsibility for AI does not just sit with the CIO or the IT department, but that all departments have a key role in their respective areas. 
• Risk, regulation and cyber resilience are interconnected. Boards should take an integrated approach rather than addressing these issues in isolation. Several AI and Cyber security regulations were referenced, and the importance for directors to understand the respective compliance requirements. 
• Innovation requires guardrails. Successful AI adoption depends on balancing experimentation and learning with appropriate controls, transparency and oversight. Clear processes and procedures are key to ensure effective AI Governance and oversight. 
• Boards must be explicit about priorities. Whether focused on speed, certainty, resilience or growth, directors should clearly define what matters most when assessing AI opportunities and investments.
• Director AI Skills Competencies: Directors and INEDs need to upskill on their understanding and competencies of AI Governance. IoD Ireland resources were cited as a key support for this development, such as through their workshop series, and the AI Governance Toolkit.  

Launch of IoD Ireland's AI Governance Toolkit

A key milestone during the event was the launch of the IoD Ireland AI Governance Toolkit. Developed to support directors as they navigate the governance implications of AI, the toolkit provides practical guidance, frameworks and board-level resources to help organisations adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

Designed as a practical, board-ready resource, the toolkit helps directors identify governance blind spots, assess organisational readiness, strengthen oversight and ask more informed questions about AI strategy, risk and implementation. It is available to IoD Ireland members through the IoD Ireland website.

Continuing the Conversation

The event concluded with an engaging audience discussion and networking reception, providing directors with an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on one of the most significant governance challenges facing boards today. As AI continues to reshape industries and operating models, the need for informed, proactive and responsible board oversight has never been greater. IoD Ireland will continue to support directors and members in this space by providing AI Governance resources and supports, such as the AI Governance Toolkit, thought leadership articles, Director Factsheets, and through our workshop series. 

The event also offered attendees a valuable opportunity to network and engage with the audience of senior directors and experienced independent non‑executive directors to exchange perspectives and reflect on how boards can remain resilient and effective amid rapid political and economic change.

IoD Ireland extends its thanks to PWC for their partnership in delivering this event. For more information on upcoming events visit the IoD Ireland website.