AI Policy and Ethics Consultant - Outside IR35

AI Policy & Ethics Consultant - Government Department | Outside IR35 | 6 months + | Hybrid (London)

We are seeking an experienced AI Policy & Ethics Consultant to support a government department on a strategic programme of work. This role will focus on shaping the responsible adoption of AI technologies, ensuring alignment with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and public sector governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise on AI policy, governance, and ethical frameworks.
• Advise on responsible AI adoption, balancing innovation with accountability and assurance.
• Develop guidance on transparency, fairness, and explainability of AI systems.
• Conduct risk assessments relating to data use, bias, and potential unintended consequences.
• Define standards for human oversight, accountability, and decision-making boundaries.
• Draft policy documentation, ethical guidelines, and governance playbooks.
• Engage with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to ensure best practice alignment.
• Monitor emerging AI regulation and international standards, advising on applicability.
• Support knowledge transfer and awareness-building across delivery teams.

• Strong track record in AI ethics, governance, and policy advisory.
• Deep understanding of data protection, information governance, and regulatory landscapes.
• Familiarity with responsible AI frameworks (eg transparency, fairness, accountability).
• Experience shaping policy in complex or regulated environments (public sector experience desirable).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, able to bridge policy and technical teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate principles into practical governance measures.

• Location: Hybrid - London
• Length: 6 months initial contract (extensions likely)
• IR35: Outside IR35