Do you have an AI consultant promising the world? The rewards could be enormous, but so could the risks if governance, security and ownership are treated as an afterthought…
Rushing into AI without a clear plan can create confusion, risk and missed opportunities. Many organisations are focusing on how AI can improve productivity and efficiency, and rightly so. However, successful AI adoption requires more than identifying use cases. It also requires careful consideration of governance, security and how the technology will be introduced across the business.
AI consultancies have appeared in large numbers over the past year, most promising to transform the way you work. Many are only months old, with limited maturity and little evidence of sound security practice. Before you bring one in, it is worth understanding the risks that come with that decision.
In this blog, we’ll look at why successful AI adoption depends on more than choosing the right platform. We’ll also cover the importance of taking a considered approach to implementation and choosing a partner who can support you safely and responsibly.
Before we delve into what governance and control to put in place, it’s important to consider the differences between enterprise vs standard large language models (LLM’s).
Choosing the right AI platform
Microsoft Copilot is what we would call an enterprise grade AI tool with a backbone routed firmly in existing security that we trust day to day with our emails, Teams messages and important files and data.
By comparison, consumer tools such as the free version of ChatGPT, one of the most widely used LLM’s1, operate outside of the Microsoft 365 environment and the governance controls you have already established2. That can increase the risk of sensitive organisational or personal information being shared inappropriately.
The good news is a basic level of security with AI isn’t hard to achieve. Start by using the right tool. Reiterating the benefit of Microsoft’s Copilot, even in its free version, you are being protected by its enterprise grade security3.
If you are considering an external AI tool, platform or consultancy, speak to us first. We can help you assess the risks, review the security implications, and make sure the right controls are in place before anything is introduced across the business.
Review access and permissions first
As with cyber security, AI security is never a case of being one hundred percent protected. The aim is to reduce risk by putting sensible controls in place before the technology is widely used across the business. A good place to start is by reviewing what your employees can already access, because Copilot can surface information from files, folders, Teams messages and other Microsoft 365 content that a user has permission to see. If historic sharing permissions are too broad, Copilot may make that information easier to find. At the very least, organisations should carry out an audit of shared files in SharePoint and OneDrive before rolling out Copilot more widely.
Governance and compliance matter
Other security measures you should consider are and a data protection impact assessment which the UK GDPR requires you to undertake if your use of AI involves “systematic and extensive evaluation of personal aspects based on automated processing, including profiling, on which decisions are made that produce legal or similarly significant effects; large-scale processing of special categories of personal data; or systematic monitoring of publicly-accessible areas on a large scale.”4 Although, it is suggested by our own compliance team5 and the ICO (in some cases) that you do this regardless of the above.
Don't outsource ownership
If you are considering an external AI tool, platform or consultancy, speak to us first. We can help you assess the risks, review the security implications, and make sure the right controls are in place before anything is introduced across the business.
When it comes to enabling AI across your business processes, the best person to lead that work is usually someone who already understands those processes. We can help you create the right framework, governance and controls, but the AI agent itself should be shaped by the people who know how your business actually works.
External consultants can play an important role in AI adoption, particularly when it comes to training, governance and technical expertise. However, ownership of business processes should remain within the organisation. The people who understand how your business operates are best placed to determine how AI should be used.
Final thoughts
AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits, but successful adoption is about more than technology alone. With the right controls, governance and business ownership in place, organisations can embrace AI confidently while reducing risk.
The goal isn’t simply to deploy AI quickly. It’s to deploy it responsibly and create lasting value for the business.
How ADM can help
AI adoption works best when it is approached as a business change, not just a technology project. At ADM, we can help you understand where AI could add value, where it may introduce risk, and what needs to be in place before tools such as Microsoft Copilot are rolled out more widely.
That might include reviewing Microsoft 365 permissions, helping you build an AI policy, supporting a data protection impact assessment, advising on the right licensing, and working with your team to identify sensible use cases. We can also help train staff so they understand how to use AI confidently, securely and within the boundaries set by your organisation.
Our role is to give you the structure, guidance and technical support to move forward safely. You stay in control of your business processes, while we help make sure the technology, governance and security around them are fit for purpose.
Further reading
1 Ermut, S. (2026). LLM market share: Compare usage & adoption. [online] AIMultiple. Available at: https://aimultiple.com/llm-market-share [Accessed 27 Aug. 2026].
2 Stone, M. (2026). A 2026 guide to ChatGPT risks | concentric AI. [online] Concentric AI. Available at: https://concentric.ai/chatgpt-security-risks-in-2026-a-guide-to-risks-your-team-might-be-missing/ [Accessed 27 Aug. 2026].
3 Microsoft (2026). Data Protection when using Microsoft 365 COPILOT chat for work or school | Microsoft support. [online] Microsoft.com. Available at: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Privacy/data-protection-when-using-microsoft-365-copilot-chat-for-work-or-school [Accessed 27 Aug. 2026].
4 Ico.org.uk. (2024). What are the accountability and governance implications of AI? [online] Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence/guidance-on-ai-and-data-protection/what-are-the-accountability-and-governance-implications-of-ai/#DPIA [Accessed 27 Aug. 2026].
5 Cox, A. (2026). Rolling out AI in your business? Start with a DPIA. [online] ADM Computing. Available at: https://www.adm-computing.co.uk/dpia-ai-rollout/ [Accessed 27 Aug. 2026].
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Blog Author
Isaac Ford-Wilson – AI Lead/Marketing & Brand Development
Isaac Ford-Wilson is ADM’s resident public speaker and finds himself presenting at events all over the country. He also steers the marketing for ADM and manages all of our wonderful events. Isaac is our “go-to” for anything related to emerging technologies and AI. In his free time, Isaac enjoys cooking, watching new films and spending time with his family and friends.
