At Agulhas, we've spent considerable time working through our approach to AI, discussing how AI tools are best used to serve our mission of promoting a better, more sustainable global future through high-quality, utility-focused research and evaluation in support of international cooperation on global challenges. One of the results of this effort is the Agulhas AI Policy for Research and Evaluation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are now a part of our working life, and clients, donors and regulators are catching up to its rapid evolution, with rising expectations on efficiency, security and ethical use. Used well, AI saves time and opens space for answering pressing questions to global challenges in new ways. Used poorly, it reduces analytical rigour, data security and trust with research participants, partners and clients.
At Agulhas, we’ve spent considerable time working through our approach to AI, discussing how AI tools are best used to serve our mission of promoting a better, more sustainable global future through high-quality, utility-focused research and evaluation in support of international cooperation on global challenges. One of the results of this effort is the Agulhas AI Policy for Research and Evaluation, a summary of which can be found here. It forms part of the Agulhas Code of Conduct, sitting alongside our commitments on ethical research, information security and data protection.
Our approach to AI is grounded in our values of commitment, integrity, equity, respect, effectiveness and openness. We will always use AI in service of our expertise, not the other way round, using it strategically and selectively, and always in line with our own and our client’s data protection and research ethics principles and requirements.
The figure below summarises four commitments underpinning our AI policy, which are aligned with the UK Government’s AI Playbook and the OECD AI Principles.
As the AI landscape is evolving rapidly, including the tools, regulations and expectations that shape responsible use, our AI policy and guidance will remain a living document, updated as new developments emerge and as we continue to learn from practice. By taking this approach, we will use AI thoughtfully, responsibly and transparently – and always in the service of high quality, ethical research and evaluation.
Read the policy summary here.
