The SENSE Framework.

You keep control of your data, models and decisions, including who can access them and where they run.

Why it matters for government

Public bodies answer to citizens, not vendors. Dependence on a system you cannot inspect or move is a risk to continuity and to trust.

What good looks like

• Data location and access are documented and enforced
• Exit routes exist for every critical vendor or model
• Decisions that matter can be made without the system

You can explain what the AI does, and why, to the people affected.

Why it matters for government

A decision that cannot be explained cannot be appealed. Explanation is part of legitimacy in public services.

What good looks like

• Plain-language explanations for affected people
• Technical documentation staff can actually use
• A named person can answer for each outcome

AI is the right tool for the job, and its use is proportionate to the problem.

Why it matters for government

Not every problem needs AI. Proportionality protects public money and public confidence.

What good looks like

• The problem and alternatives are written down
• Benefits are weighed against the risks
• Use is reviewed and can be stopped

The system is protected against misuse, attack and failure.

Why it matters for government

Public systems hold sensitive data and underpin essential services, so failure has wide consequences.

What good looks like

• Threats specific to AI are tested
• Failure modes and fallbacks are planned
• Incidents are logged, reviewed and learned from

The system treats people fairly, and you can show it.

Why it matters for government

Governments owe equal treatment. Bias in a public system is a rights issue, not just a quality issue.

What good looks like

• Groups at risk of harm are identified up front
• Fairness is tested with evidence, not assumed
• Affected people have a route to challenge outcomes