Description
A joint event between the SCL SESG and AI Groups exploring how organisations can design and implement AI governance and Responsible AI frameworks that align with ESG objectives, covering key regulatory and standards developments, the risks and opportunities of increasingly autonomous (agentic) AI systems, and practical governance approaches that support sustainable and ethical AI deployment.
Background and rationale
AI governance and Responsible AI are becoming urgent priorities as organisations move towards widespread deployment, and boards look for frameworks that enable safe, ethical and scalable AI use in line with emerging requirements.
For SESG, this agenda cuts across all three ESG pillars:
- Environment – energy‑intensive data centres and their reporting under regimes such as CSRD and Scope 1–3 emissions;
- Social – impacts on labour, vulnerable communities and fairness; and
- Governance – translating Responsible AI principles into policies, controls and ongoing oversight
The session is intended to “join the dots” between these strands and show that AI governance is a core ESG issue, not just a technical concern.
Objectives of the session
- Clarify key concepts – Provide a practical overview of “AI governance” and “Responsible AI” from a legal, regulatory and ESG perspective, and distinguish governance programmes from pure regulatory compliance.
- Connect AI and ESG – Show how AI governance frameworks can incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations, including data centre impacts and automation.
- Share perspectives from both ESG and AI specialists – Illustrate how in-house teams can “join the dots” between sustainability, technology and governance.
- Share practical approaches – Offer concrete examples of policies, controls and operating models that enable innovation while managing risk.
Target Audience
- In-house legal teams (primarily those with responsibility for technology, data, risk and/or ESG portfolios).
- Private practice lawyers focusing on technology, data, regulatory, ESG and corporate governance.
- ESG / sustainability specialists with an interest in technology.
- Compliance, risk and internal audit professionals.
This event is hosted and sponsored by Simmons & Simmons and organised by the SCL SESG and AI Group Committees.
Administration notes:
Fees:
£35 + VAT (£42) for SCL members
£70 + VAT (£84) for non-members
Booking: To secure your place, please book online using the link above or send an email to hello@scl.org with details of who is attending this event and also the address details for the invoice.
Non-members: To enquire about SCL membership and receive the discounted fee, please email hello@scl.org.
Booking terms and conditions:
Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.
Venue address:
1 Ropemaker St
London
EC2Y 9SS
Dietary Requirements:
Please be aware that lunch will be provided during the event. Kindly inform us of any dietary requirements by Thursday 29 October.
Registration and attendee arrival:
Registration for this event begins at 11:30 am. We kindly ask that you arrive on time to ensure a prompt start.
Joining details:
For in-person events, you will receive joining details within 24 hours of the event.
Non-members wishing to join the Society are entitled to membership of the Society valid for 12 months from the date of payment including full access to the content of the SCL website www.scl.org plus notification of future SCL events. The cost of an annual SCL membership is £190.00. If you have any queries about SCL membership please contact the SCL office on Tel: 07948 517049 or Email: hello@scl.org
Free membership for trainee lawyers and UK students: SCL provides free membership for trainee lawyers until qualification and for UK students in full-time education with a valid ac.uk email address. Student members are eligible to attend SCL events at concessionary rates where a fee is applicable. Trainee members are entitled to attend SCL events at the standard members’ rate (the concessionary rate for UK students in full-time education does not apply). Trainees and UK students in full-time education can apply to join SCL for free by emailing hello@scl.org
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