Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, said that HR can play “a central role” in ensuring AI is integrated responsibly – balancing business performance with employee wellbeing and development.
To this end, the CIPD has announced its collaboration with Innovate UK’s BridgeAI programme, to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, skills, and organisational strategy. The initiative, backed by the UK government, aims to address key people and organisational factors that influence AI adoption in the workplace.
The research will contribute to the development of ethical frameworks for AI implementation and support employers in understanding the workforce skills required for AI-driven workplaces.
Cheese said, “AI is accelerating rapidly and will impact jobs, careers and workplaces. We all need to ensure it is used responsibly and ethically, understanding the many benefits, but also risks. As with any new technologies, there are gaps between AI development and adoption within organisations.
“HR can play a central role in establishing how AI works together with people and how it shapes jobs for a future that not only is good for business performance, but also good for people. Our work on the BridgeAI programme will help us understand how organisations are learning about and adopting AI, the wider skills that will be needed across our workforces, and the frameworks and guidance that can help us all.”
Researching AI Adoption in the Workplace
The CIPD’s role in BridgeAI will focus on three workstreams, starting with a research project in partnership with the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW). This project will assess how organisations are currently using AI, their plans for future implementation, and its impact on employees.
HR leaders from organisations already using or considering AI will participate in interviews, surveys, and workshops to provide insights into how AI is shaping tasks, roles, and performance. Findings from this research will inform practical tools and guidance for HR professionals, supporting them in managing AI adoption effectively. The results will also contribute to the CIPD’s profession map, outlining the essential knowledge and behaviours HR professionals need to navigate AI integration.
Later in the year, the CIPD will work with other BridgeAI partners to refine ethical AI frameworks and expand the AI skills framework. These initiatives aim to ensure businesses are equipped with the tools to implement AI in a way that benefits both employers and employees.
Sara El-Hanfy, Head of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at Innovate UK, said, “BridgeAI is proud to join forces with CIPD to champion the responsible adoption of AI in the workplace. This partnership aims to empower businesses with ethical AI frameworks and support their workforces in unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology, ensuring inclusive growth and innovation.”
