New framework helps college leaders embed responsible AI into culture

Jisc’s new Leading AI in Colleges Strategic Framework for FE leaders supports the collaborative adoption of AI to deliver real impact

• Jisc’s new ‘Leading AI in Colleges’ Strategic Framework prepares FE leaders, staff, and learners for an AI-infused future.
• The framework is based on three pillars of responsible adoption: Skills, knowledge and culture; Technology; Governance
• UK colleges are starting to benefit from AI, but adoption is uneven: often it’s staff confidence rather than technology that is the barrier.
• Clear governance, adopting the right AI tools and collaboration will support colleges on their journey to AI maturity.

AI is already delivering benefits across the UK FE sector, but adoption remains uneven. To support colleges on their journey to AI maturity, Jisc’s new Leading AI in Colleges Strategic Framework, launching at this year’s Association of Colleges (AoC) conference, offers FE leaders practical advice to embed AI effectively and responsibly.

The framework is based on three key pillars:

• Skills, knowledge and culture
• Technology
• Governance

Developed in partnership with sector colleagues, Leading AI in Colleges provides tangible advice, useful resources, practical examples and checklists to help college leaders build trust, save time, enrich teaching, and equip learners with valuable skills for an AI-infused future.

The framework highlights the benefits of collaboration between leadership, staff and learners when embedding AI within a college. This approach helps develop a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining good practice.

It also encourages leaders to build on existing resources such as Jisc’s AI literacy curriculum, AI maturity toolkit and building digital capabilities tool, to avoid starting their journey from scratch.
By identifying and implementing the right AI tools responsibly, colleges can save staff time and help learners gain confidence with technology they’ll encounter in higher education and the workplace.

Michael Webb, director of AI at Jisc says:

“AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning, but only if it’s adopted responsibly and with confidence.

“Many colleges are already using AI in thoughtful and impactful ways that provide real value to staff and learners. This framework builds on the strong practice already evident across the sector and provides a structured way to help all colleges embed AI that genuinely benefits staff and learners and develops the skills employers need.”

Robin Ghurbhurun, managing director of FE and Skills at Jisc says:

“Further education plays a critical role in delivering a skilled workforce that meets the changing demands of the labour market and drives growth. By embracing AI through a structured, collaborative approach, colleges can save time, enhance learning, and build AI literacy, capability and confidence.”

By adopting a framework approach to AI institutions can move from uncertainty to action, building trust, boosting confidence, and ensuring AI is used ethically and effectively.

Leading AI in colleges, designed specifically for FE leaders, helps strengthen teaching, empowering staff to balance innovation with assurance and equipping students to build the digital confidence employers increasingly demand.