About us
Building AI capability across the UK
The independent membership organisation that unites end-users, builders, researchers, educators and leaders, equipping them with the competence, connections and practical tools to develop, adopt and govern artificial intelligence responsibly, at scale, for the benefit of the whole United Kingdom.
Independence
What we are, and what we are not
Our name contains both "UK" and "Council". People reasonably assume that means something official, so here is the plain answer before anything else on this page.
We are
- An independent membership organisation
- Funded by membership fees and sponsorship
- Issuing our own industry certifications
- Open to individuals, organisations and institutions
- Incorporated in England and Wales as UKAIC Ltd, company number 17386288
We are not
- A government department or public body
- A regulator, with no powers to license or enforce
- An awarding body for regulated qualifications
- Aligned to, or speaking for, any single company
- Affiliated with any government department or local authority
We help members work with existing frameworks such as NIST, ISO and the EU AI Act. We do not write competing standards, and we do not lobby on behalf of any commercial interest.
Source: UKOM / Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service, via IAB UK.
Our purpose
Why we exist
29.6 million people in the UK used AI tools in July 2026, up from 20.2 million just a year before. That kind of growth is exactly why UK AI Council exists: the people building AI, the people deciding how it’s used, and the people writing the policy around it are rarely working from the same understanding. We close that gap with practical training, real evidence from our own membership, and a shared space for everyone at any stage of their AI journey.
What we do
Five ways we build capability
Membership pathways
Progressive tiers built around demonstrated competence, from a free student entry point through to Fellow.
Training and recognition
Our own certification pathways, and an equivalency framework recognising high-quality training from other providers.
A national events programme
Events and local meet-ups for practitioners, leaders and learners, held across the UK.
Academic partnerships
Free membership for universities and colleges, so students and lecturers can access discounted training and certification.
Evidence-based insight
Our membership base generates real data on skills gaps, AI readiness and adoption, useful to members, policymakers and industry alike.
What we stand for
Core values
Competence first
Clear progression pathways that move people from curiosity to recognised capability.
Open by design
Free entry points and academic partnerships so talent is never locked out.
Bridge-builder
Connecting academia, industry, government and individuals without creating competing standards.
Join us
Three ways to get involved
Corporate membership
Discounted access to training, events and resources for your whole organisation.
Academic partnership
Free membership for schools, universities and colleges.