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The role of the AI Champion

  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

Organisational change can be less tedious and have a greater chance of success by using 'champions'. 2


A champion is anyone who acts intentionally to facilitate change and adoption within an organisation.  Champions can be anyone in the department and they typically do  not possess line management authority, but what sets them apart is that they should be eager to learn, challenge ideas, be good communicators and willing to act in the best interest of their colleagues. 2


Given that there is much complexity in AI change and adoption of new systems, having AI champions across the business would be beneficial.


Some of the responsibilities of the AI Champion are listed below.


AI Champions should:

  1. Act as role models and communicate use cases and benefits of AI systems.

  2. Assist with 1-1 and group training of the AI systems as required.  This ensures that individuals who are struggling are not left behind.

  3. Provide smooth access to resources for upskilling.2

  4. Feedback quick wins and challenges to the AI Transformation Lead for integration into wider organisation adoption tracking documents.

  5. Represent their department in the decision making of what AI systems would be beneficial for the department / organisation whilst upholding human and worker rights.1


The final point has garnered much interest from legal academics and human rights activists.1 AI is changing the power dynamic, authority and psychological contract within organisations, with certain groups being 'winners' and 'losers'.3 Policies have been written and proposed to be put in to law, but in the absence of a law in this area, organisations should consider implementing this tactic as an ethical approach, as it could achieve greater buy-in, trust, transparency and successful adoption of AI solutions.


References

 

[1] Ferreras Isabelle et al (2026) Two Promises to Those Who Work: Voice and Ownership. Final Report of the International High-Level Expert Committee on Democracy at Work established by the Vice-Presidency and the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy of Spain. Madrid: Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social. Open access:www.ReportonDemocracyatWork.org


[2] Richard Smith et al, The Effective Change Manager’s Handbook (Kogan Page 2015)


[3] Valerio De Stefano, 'Reimagining the Future of Work : Towards a Right to Shape AI' (Panel discussion at Jesus College, University of Oxford, Oxford, 25 June 2026)

 
 
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