Shadow AI 2026

Five Foundations for Safe AI in the Public Sector

Tuesday 14th April 2026

Virtual Event

Shadow AI isn’t one problem; it’s five interlocking ones. This fast-paced online learning day breaks Shadow AI down into the five strategic foundations public sector organisations must address to move from unmanaged risk to responsible AI adoption.

Each 30-minute session focuses on one pillar of the Shadow AI 2026 framework, giving leaders clarity, shared language and practical insight... all without overwhelming detail. Attend all five to see the full picture, or join individual sessions most relevant to your role. Designed for busy public sector leaders who need structure, not hype.

Agenda

10:00

Why Shadow AI is a Leadership Problem First Leadership & Skills

Shadow AI thrives where direction is unclear and confidence is low. This session explores why leadership ownership and AI fluency are the foundation for everything else... and why policies alone fail.

11:00

Why Poor Data Access Creates Shadow AI Data Foundations

When staff can’t access the data they need safely, they find workarounds. This session explores the link between data fragmentation, accessibility, and risky AI behaviour.

12:00

Giving People the Capability They're Already Seeking AI Orchestration

Shadow AI isn’t about tools — it’s about outcomes. This session focuses on why fragmented AI options drive unsafe behaviour and how orchestration changes the game.

13:00

Rules That People Actually Follow Governance & Control

Ambiguity fuels circumvention. This session looks at what effective AI governance looks like in practice; clear, consistent, and aligned to how people actually work.

14:00

When Shadow AI Becomes a Cyber Issue Cyber, Risks & Resilience

Shadow AI creates invisible risk pathways across the public sector. This session focuses on data leakage, supply-chain risk, and resilience; and why AI risk is now a core cyber concern.