Control A.3.2 – AI Roles and Responsibilities

One of the most common challenges in AI governance is the “who owns what” problem. Without clear accountability, AI initiatives can lead to confusion, duplication of effort, and unmanaged risks. ISO/IEC 42001 addresses this through Annex A Control A.3.2 – AI Roles and Responsibilities, which ensures that organizations assign, define, and communicate responsibilities for AI-related activities.

🔑 Key Requirements of the Control

This control requires organizations to:

Assign defined roles for AI governance, development, deployment, monitoring, and compliance.
Document responsibilities clearly, avoiding overlaps and ambiguities.
Communicate roles across the organization so that employees know who to consult, escalate to, or hold accountable in AI matters.
Ensure decision-making authority for AI activities is consistent with organizational governance and ethical standards.

Typical roles may include:

AI Governance Lead / Committee – Oversight and strategy.
Data Owners & Stewards – Accountability for data used in AI systems.
Model Developers & Validators – Responsible for building, testing, and validating AI models.
Compliance & Risk Managers – Ensuring adherence to laws, standards, and policies.
End-Users / Business Owners – Ensuring AI outputs are applied responsibly in business contexts.

✅ Why This Control Matters

Prevents accountability gaps – Ensures all aspects of AI lifecycle are owned.
Supports risk management – Clear responsibilities mean quicker response to issues.
Builds confidence – Both regulators and customers gain assurance when responsibilities are transparent.
Encourages collaboration – Cross-functional role clarity avoids silos and conflicting decisions.

📌 Implementation Tips

Create a RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) for all AI processes.
Update job descriptions and internal policies to reflect AI-related duties.
Train employees in their specific AI responsibilities to build competence and awareness.
Review and update role assignments as AI systems evolve and new risks emerge.

Clear roles and responsibilities are the foundation of effective AI governance, ensuring accountability and enabling safe, ethical, and compliant AI practices.

In tomorrow’s article by Kimova.AI, we’ll explore Annex A.3.3 – Reporting of Concerns,We’ll discuss how to establish clear channels for stakeholders to raise issues about AI systems, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.

Try Ask AIMS for Free