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ARTICLE · 28 APRIL 2026

Procuring Trust: Managing AI Risks In Public Sector Contracts

Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG
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Gowling WLG

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Public sector organisations face unique challenges when procuring AI-enabled services, from defining precise use cases to managing complex risks around transparency, bias, and accountability. This article examines the practical procurement considerations and governance frameworks needed to ensure AI systems remain safe, reliable, and compliant throughout their operational lifecycle.

United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector
Alexi Markham
Alexi Markham
Jocelyn S. Paulley
Jocelyn S. Paulley
Author LinkedIn connections

AI is already part of public sector delivery, from decision support and monitoring to service delivery and internal efficiency. The procurement challenge is not simply buying an “AI‑powered” tool. It is identifying the right use case, setting the right requirements, allocating risk fairly and putting governance in place so the system stays safe and reliable once it is live.

If you are looking for a short definition of AI and how it works, we have covered that in our recent insight: Artificial Intelligence in business: a starter for boards.

This article focuses on what public sector and in‑house teams typically need most at procurement stage, the key AI risks that show up in public sector contracts and the practical steps that help manage them.

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