Shadow AI is no longer a fringe risk, it is a mainstream operational reality across the UK public sector. From frontline services to policy teams, unapproved AI tools are already being used to cope with pressure, complexity and scale. The challenge for leaders is no longer whether AI is being used, but how to regain control without suppressing innovation.
The Shadow AI 2026 Symposium brings together senior leaders from central government, healthcare, local government, higher education, blue light services, cyber security and AI policy to explore how the public sector can move from unmanaged AI risk to safe, strategic, enterprise-grade adoption.
Across a full day of keynotes, sector perspectives and panel discussion, the symposium will:
Examine Shadow AI as a national, organisational and leadership issue
Explore the intersection of AI, cyber security, data governance and public trust
Provide a clear, structured way forward grounded in the Shadow AI 2026 framework
This is not a technical deep dive or a product showcase. It is a strategic, cross-sector conversation for leaders responsible for protecting public trust while enabling the future of AI.

Tuesday 12th May
09:00 - 16:30
8 John Adam St
WC2N 6EZ
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Thursday 21st May
09:00 - 16:30
2 Infirmary Street
LS1 2JP
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