Objectives:

• Identify: Explore potential risks associated with AI tools.
• Evaluate: Assess the probability and impact of identified risks.
• Develop: Craft strategies to mitigate and address key risks.

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Materials:

• This template
• Markers or pens
• Sticky notes
• Optional: Laptops or tablets for individual work and research

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Timing: 2 hours, with flexibility for breaks and discussions.

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Instructions:

1. Introduction (15 minutes)

• Welcome participants and introduce yourself/your team.
• Briefly explain the purpose of the workshop and its objectives.
• Highlight the importance of proactively identifying and managing AI risks.

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2. Brainstorming Risks (45 minutes)

• Participants individually brainstorm all potential risks associated with the new AI tool, irrespective of their size or probability. Encourage broad thinking, covering areas like:

1. Privacy and data security

2. Algorithmic bias and fairness

3. Job displacement and economic impact

4. Safety and security concerns

5. Ethical considerations (e.g., manipulation, autonomy)

• Group Sharing: Collect responses using sticky notes or a digital tool. Categorise similar risks and eliminate duplicates.
• Discussion: Facilitate a conversation around the key themes.

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3. Risk Assessment Matrix (15 minutes)

• Introduce the Risk Matrix: Explain the framework with two axes:

1. Probability: Likelihood of the risk occurring (High, Low)

2. Impact: Severity of the consequences if the risk materialises (High, Low)

• Plotting the Risks: Participants discuss and place each identified risk onto the matrix based on their perceived probability and impact.
• Analysis: Analyse the distribution of risks across the matrix, highlighting those in critical areas like "High Probability/High Impact" and "Low Probability/High Impact."

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4. Mitigating and Addressing Risks (60 minutes)

• Focus Areas: Introduce four key areas for mitigating risks:

1. Control: Strategies to empower users to manage their data and interactions with the AI.

2. Explainable: Approaches to make the AI's decision-making process understandable and transparent.

3. Fairness: Methods to prevent the AI from perpetuating or amplifying existing societal biases.

4. Trust: Ensuring the AI is usable and beneficial for diverse populations.

• Brainstorming Solutions: In small groups, participants discuss specific actions and strategies within each focus area to address the critical risks identified earlier. Encourage creative and proactive thinking.
• Group Sharing: Each group presents their proposed solutions. Facilitate a discussion on feasibility, potential unintended consequences and resource allocation.

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5. Wrap-up and Next Steps (15 minutes)

• Summarise the key takeaways from the workshop: identified risks, risk assessment and proposed mitigation strategies.
• Highlight the importance of ongoing risk management and monitoring.
• Share resources for further learning and support on AI governance and responsible development.
• Encourage participants to implement the identified solutions and continue collaborating on building responsible AI.

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Additional Tips:

• Adapt the level of detail and complexity based on the participants' expertise and the specific AI tool under discussion.
• Encourage active participation and open dialogue throughout the workshop.
• Use case studies or real-world examples to illustrate key points.
• Be mindful of time management and adjust the schedule as needed.