AI Use Policy

Our approach

MT1L is the home of the Value, Trust and Alignment (VTA) Framework. We help leaders navigate complex change by considering what creates value, what can be trusted and what aligns with organisational realities. We apply the same thinking to our own use of AI.

We use AI to enhance our work, not replace the thinking, expertise or judgement behind it.

As an organisation built during a period of rapid AI development, we have had the opportunity to design our systems, processes and ways of working with AI in mind from the beginning. At the same time, our experience of organisational change means we understand the challenges of introducing new technology into existing environments.

We use AI deliberately rather than by default. We consider where it adds genuine value, where human expertise remains essential and where using AI may introduce unnecessary complexity, risk or dependency.

AI supports what we do; it does not replace the responsibility, experience or judgement behind our work.

Where we use AI

We use AI across our work in several ways:

Developing our systems and ways of working

We use AI to help us design and improve internal systems, workflows and digital tools that support how we operate. This includes developing our website, content systems and processes for creating, scheduling and managing insights.

AI helps us explore possibilities, identify opportunities, solve practical challenges and create more efficient ways of working. However, decisions about how these systems operate, what they produce and how they are used remain human-led.

Content development and communication

We use AI as part of our writing and content development process. This may include helping structure ideas, explore perspectives, improve clarity and support editing.

The ideas, experience and expertise behind our content remain ours. AI may support the process, but we develop the idea, review, refine and take ownership of everything published in our name.

We recognise that AI can produce inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable information. We remain responsible for checking, challenging and improving anything we share.

Consulting and advisory work

Our work is primarily insight-led. Clients engage with us to apply our thinking to their context through advisory support or other speaking engagements. When working with clients we follow their policies and requirements for AI and technology. We protect confidential, commercially sensitive and personal information, using it only in agreed and appropriate ways.

We do not use client information to train AI models and carefully limit what is shared with any AI tool. All AI-supported work remains subject to human judgement, review and accountability. See our Privacy Policy for more on how we handle information.

Everyday operations

We use AI to support administrative and operational tasks where it reduces repetition, improves organisation and frees time for work that requires human judgement. This includes summarising information, preparing resources, capturing notes, organising material and managing routine workflows.

We do not automate administration by default. Human involvement remains essential where tasks involve judgement, confidential information, relationships, exceptions or complex decisions.

VAxAI and the value of human support

VAxAI puts this approach into practice. It recognises that AI and automation can create value while still requiring oversight, maintenance and adaptation, and that skilled human support remains essential.

Rather than treating AI as a replacement for administrative roles, VAxAI helps organisations identify where technology improves efficiency, where human expertise adds further value, and how both can work together.

How we assess AI opportunities and tools

We apply the VTA Framework when considering whether an AI tool, approach or opportunity is right for us.

Value

We consider:

• What problem does this solve?
• What value does it create?
• Who benefits from using it?
• Does it improve quality, efficiency or capability?
• Does the value outweigh the cost, effort or risks involved?
• Are we choosing this tool because it genuinely helps, or because it is part of a wider trend?

We consider both technical capability and practical value, including what a tool can do, how well it performs, how reliable it is and whether it meets our actual needs.

Trust

We consider:

• Do we understand how the tool works and what information it uses?
• What are the risks, limitations or concerns?
• Can we rely on its outputs?
• What safeguards are needed to use it responsibly?
• Are we transparent about where and how AI is used?

We recognise that trust is not automatic. It must be built through transparency, oversight and accountability.

Alignment

We consider:

• Does this fit with our existing systems, processes and ways of working?
• Does it support rather than disrupt our approach?
• Does it work alongside the other tools we use?
• Is it the best option compared with alternatives?
• What dependencies does it create?

We test different tools and approaches to understand what works best for our needs rather than being guided by hype alone.

A person is always responsible

AI output is assistive, not authoritative.

We review, challenge and refine AI-generated outputs before they are used or shared. Responsibility for anything produced in MT1L's name always remains with a person.

We recognise that AI can be useful while also being imperfect. We are accountable for the decisions we make, the information we share and the impact of our work.

We remain open to challenge, feedback and correction, and we continuously learn from our use of AI.

A considered and sustainable approach

We are mindful that using AI creates both opportunities and dependencies.

We design our ways of working so that we understand what happens if a tool, platform or system changes or becomes unavailable. We consider alternatives and maintain knowledge of how our work would continue without relying entirely on a single technology.

AI should strengthen our capability, not become the only way we can operate.

Accuracy and limitations

AI can be confident and still be wrong.

Outputs may be incomplete, outdated, biased or inaccurate. We treat AI-generated material as something to review and test, not something to accept automatically.

We verify important information, apply our own expertise and use appropriate evidence before making decisions or sharing information.

Fairness and inclusion

We recognise that AI does not affect everyone equally.

AI systems can reflect and amplify existing inequalities, and decisions about automation can have significant consequences for people, roles and opportunities.

We apply the principles of Justice, Equity and Fairness (JEF) to our own AI use by considering:

• Who benefits?
• Who may be excluded?
• Who carries the risks?
• Whose perspectives are missing?

This includes recognising where AI creates opportunities, where human involvement remains essential and where responsible adoption requires more than technical capability alone.

The VTA Framework and our AI use

We apply the same principles internally that we encourage leaders to consider:

Value

We use AI where it creates meaningful value, improves our work or creates opportunities. We do not use AI simply because it is available.

Trust

We are transparent about our use of AI, maintain human oversight and recognise the importance of accountability, accuracy and informed choice.

Alignment

We ensure AI fits our values, ways of working, systems and capabilities, while considering wider implications for people and organisations.

Better AI decisions depend not only on what technology can do, but on what it should do, where it creates value and how it can be used responsibly.

Changes to this policy

As our tools and the technology behind them evolve, we may update this policy.

We will review it at least every six months. The current version is always posted here with the date above.