The Welsh Government is developing a strategic AI governance framework through collaboration with multiple stakeholders including Estyn (education inspectorate), Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), and subject experts.
Qualifications Wales, the independent regulator of non-degree qualifications in Wales, is working with awarding bodies to consider implications of AI for qualifications and examinations. The framework emphasizes safeguarding and data protection responsibilities, with the ICO as the relevant regulator where AI use includes personal data.
This represents an advisory/coordinating governance body (Welsh Government) rather than a dedicated new AI regulator, with existing bodies (Estyn, Qualifications Wales) incorporating AI oversight into their mandates.
Who it affects: Schools and education institutions in Wales; awarding bodies; local authorities; qualifications providers.
What is notably missing: Specification of enforcement mechanisms; clarity on Estyn’s AI assessment methodology; detail on how cross-regulator coordination will resolve conflicts; timeline for framework completion.