21 May 2025

Digital Health and Data Science is a priority area for King’s Health Partners (KHP), and one part of this work is supporting the implementation of robust AI frameworks in our work with Responsible Ai UK.

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Responsible Ai (RAi) UK is an international ecosystem formed to shape the development of AI as a beneficial tool. It brings together researchers and draws on a wide range of academic disciplines.

Prof Prokar Dasgupta, KHP Professor of Surgery, chairs the RAi UK Health and Social Care Working Group. Over the past year the group has grown to more than 50 members and holds monthly meetings to share best practice and foster collaboration.

Example activities include co-authoring papers for publication scoping surveys to map existing regional AI infrastructure, exploring partnerships with the NHS Genomic AI Network and the World Health Organization, and convening a stakeholder meeting with leaders from NHS organisations, government, academia, regulators, and industry to share strategies for responsible AI adoption. View a summary from the meeting here.

Prof Dasgupta says: 

As AI technologies evolve at pace, it is essential we establish robust and transparent frameworks to ensure their responsible use across health and social care. Our working group brings together diverse expertise from across the UK and beyond, connecting with international collaborators to shape policies and practices that put people first—protecting patients, supporting professionals, and fostering innovation that serves the public good.

New member of the team

Fin MacAskill, National Specialty Advisor for Responsible AI in Health & Social Care, joined the core leadership team in April to help drive the working group activities.

Fin is an academic urologist, with his research interest in digital and health transformation within prostate cancer care within south east London. He says:

AI has the power to transform how we deliver NHS care. We need frictionless implementation and adoption pathways that allow innovators to respond to the needs of patients, but also robust monitoring practices to ensure standards are maintained.

Through the working group, I will lead on creating a network of advocates or ‘RAi NHS champions’, throughout the UK, that ensure we can scale innovation, spread best practices, and drive lasting, equitable impact.

Responsible AI NHS Champions Network

Advancements in AI offer opportunities to enhance health and care services. However, its rapid adoption also presents critical challenges, including ethical concerns, regulatory compliance, and the risk of inequities in care.

To ensure the responsible use of AI, the RAi UK Health and Social Care Working Group is establishing a UK-wide network of RAi NHS Champions. These Champions will be advocates and facilitators for responsible, safe, and equitable AI adoption in health and social care.

The goal is to appoint at least one individual from each NHS Trust and a primary care representative from each ICS. As intermediaries between their host organisations and the broader national network, Champions will help ensure that AI solutions adhere to ethical standards, align with organisational and national goals, and deliver tangible benefits to care recipients.

Prof Ian Abbs, Chief Executive Officer of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and member of the Working Group and core leadership team, says:

Frontline staff have invaluable insights into how AI can revolutionise healthcare while maintaining high ethical standards and prioritising patient safety. This initiative offers NHS AI Champions a unique opportunity to shape innovative care pathways, promote responsible AI adoption, build public trust, and navigate the complex challenges of integrating AI into health and social care. By leveraging their expertise, we can ensure that AI advancements are both effective and ethically sound.   

To date more than 60 expressions of interest have been received, and the team are keen to hear from more people.

Further information about the RAi NHS Champions initiative is available on the RAi UK website, and anna.kim@kcl.ac.uk can be contacted regarding any of the other activities.