The UK government has laid out a roadmap to strengthen its third-party AI assurance market, identifying key challenges and possible interventions to ensure the sector can grow while maintaining trust and quality. The market, already valued at more than £1 billion, is seen as essential for boosting confidence in artificial intelligence systems through independent auditing and evaluation.
According to the roadmap, four barriers currently impede the sector: unclear quality standards, gaps in skills, restricted information access, and a lack of innovation. While certifications exist for AI governance and auditing, none are UKAS-accredited, and up to 38% of AI governance tools may rely on flawed metrics, raising concerns about their effectiveness. The government emphasises that internationally recognised technical standards remain under development, leaving uncertainty over what benchmarks assurance providers should follow.
The assurance industry already employs about 12,500 people, with potential to create many more jobs. However, providers struggle to recruit staff with the necessary mix of expertise across AI, machine learning, law, governance, and standards. Clearer entry pathways, professional certification, and a stronger focus on diversity are seen as critical to equipping the workforce. The government has worked with the Alan Turing Institute to map the skills required for AI auditors, stressing the need for both technical and governance competencies.
Another major obstacle is access to information about AI systems. Providers often lack visibility into training data, models, or governance processes, limiting their ability to conduct thorough audits. Firms under audit may resist disclosure due to confidentiality or security concerns. To address this, the roadmap suggests technical solutions like secure enclaves for evaluations, alongside new standards and guidelines for information sharing.
Finally, the report calls for greater innovation to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies. While initiatives such as the Fairness Innovation Challenge and the work of the AI Security Institute have advanced research, the UK still lacks sufficient forums for collaborative development. To bridge this gap, the government proposes an AI Assurance Innovation Fund to support novel testing methods and tools.
The roadmap highlights professionalisation as the most promising near-term measure, through certifications or registrations for assurance professionals. Longer-term, process certification and organisational accreditation could help standardise and elevate assurance practices. Together, these steps aim to build a trusted, high-quality AI assurance ecosystem capable of supporting both innovation and public confidence.
Need Help?
If you have questions or concerns about any global guidelines, regulations and laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
