As organisations increase the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to support operations, the identification and management of AI-related risks is becoming more important. This is accompanied by growing requirements for compliance and governance in the use of AI systems.
The TrustBridge and 224Protect have introduced TrustAssure, an AI Governance Assessment Scheme designed to help organisations evaluate and demonstrate approaches to responsible AI use. According to the 2026 Thales Data Threat Report, AI is identified as a top data security risk by 70% of organisations, highlighting concerns in this area.
Rising costs and variable returns on investment from AI systems, along with the potential for unauthorised or uncontrolled use, present data protection risks. These include data leakage, unauthorised access, and the processing of personal data, which relate to compliance requirements such as the UK Data Protection Act and GDPR.
The TrustAssure assessment follows a structured process, beginning with an AI risk identification assessment (Responsible AI Deployment / RAI D) and an evaluation of governance gaps. This is followed by implementation planning and a formal audit stage, concluding with an assessment outcome indicating AI audit readiness.
The scheme combines 224Protect’s AI governance controls with The TrustBridge’s GDPR audit methodology, and is aligned with frameworks such as the EU AI Act and the Cyber Security Resilience Act. This is intended to support organisations in preparing for future audit and certification requirements.
On completion of the TrustAssure assessment, organisations are able to:
- Identify and address AI-related risks at an early stage
- Demonstrate AI governance practices to regulators and partners
- Build confidence among employees, stakeholders, and supply chains
The programme is aimed at organisations deploying AI systems as well as those developing AI products. It is initially being launched in the UK and Europe, with planned expansion through trained assessors and partner organisations.
