The programme is designed for experienced leaders whose decisions influence how AI is developed, procured, deployed, governed or communicated. It is particularly relevant to:
- Chief executives, board members (including non-executive directors) and senior functional leaders.
- Senior leaders in strategy, transformation, risk, legal, compliance, data, people and public affairs.
- Policymakers, regulators, senior civil servants and public sector leaders.
- Leaders in civil society, philanthropy, media and professional services.
- Executives responsible for organisational trust, workforce change or the public impact of AI.
- Participants do not need a technical background. What matters is seniority, curiosity and meaningful responsibility for decisions involving AI.
The cohort is limited to 20 participants. The programme is intentionally not organised around a single profession or industry: leaders in business, government, policy and civil society bring different institutional constraints to shared questions about AI.
Selection will focus on seniority, relevant decision-making responsibility and the contribution an applicant can make to peer learning. A clear confidentiality protocol will support frank discussion of sensitive organisational and policy dilemmas.
Participants are expected to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Senior leadership role: current or recent experience in a senior executive, board-level, or equivalent leadership position (e.g. C-suite, director, senior policymaker, organisational leader, non-executive director).
- Strategic decision-making responsibility: direct responsibility for organisational strategy, governance, risk, policy, or innovation, particularly where AI or digital technologies are relevant.
- Professional experience: typically, 10+ years of professional experience, with substantial leadership or managerial responsibility.
- Interest in AI and its implications: demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence and its ethical, societal, regulatory, or strategic implications.
- Cross-sector relevance: open to leaders from business, government, international organisations, NGOs, and regulatory bodies, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of AI ethics.
- Capacity to contribute to peer learning: willingness and ability to actively participate in discussions, case studies, and collaborative learning with a diverse cohort of senior leaders.
- Organisational impact potential: ability to apply insights from the programme within their organisation, particularly in shaping responsible AI practices or policies.
Desirable (but not essential) eligibility criteria:
- Involvement in AI-related initiatives, strategy development, or policy work.
- Sponsorship or endorsement from employing organisation.
Participants will be invited to a follow-up online roundtable and to future Institute executive education community activity, supporting continued peer learning after Oxford.
