Government instructs 19 regulators to publish plans for enabling “safe AI‑powered innovation”

The Government has written to 19 regulators directing them to set out how they will support the safe adoption of artificial intelligence within their sector.

A joint template letter, published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), requires each regulator to 'publish an AI innovation plan' and to 'report annually on progress'. 

“We have written to 19 regulators asking each of them to publish a plan for how they will support safe AI innovation. They must also report on their progress every year,”* the signatories DSIT Secretary of State Liz Kendall and DBT Secretary of State Peter Kyle, said.

The move forms part of the Government’s wider programme to embed safe AI adoption across the UK regulatory landscape, particularly in sectors where AI is expected to have the greatest impact, including life sciences, financial services, transport, energy, education and law.

The letter emphasises that regulators operating in high‑impact sectors must help organisations adopt AI responsibly.

“These regulators work in sectors where AI has the most potential… They have an important role to play in helping organisations adopt AI safely,” the ministers noted.

DSIT also confirmed that safe AI adoption will continue to feature in its cross‑government guidance to regulators.

The template letter was sent to the following bodies:

- Information Commissioner’s Office
- Office of Rail and Road
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Natural England
- Environment Agency
- Ofwat
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Care Quality Commission
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Health Research Authority
- Health and Safety Executive
- Pensions Regulator
- Ofgem
- Competition and Markets Authority
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Prudential Regulation Authority
- Ofsted
- Ofqual
- Legal Services Board

Some departments made minor adjustments to reflect sector‑specific responsibilities, but the core requirements remain consistent across all 19 letters.