Description
The AI Decision Authority Matrix answers the question every AI governance programme eventually hits: who actually has the authority to approve a new AI tool, accept an AI-related risk, or halt a deployment? This pre-built Excel matrix maps decision types to approval levels so authority is clear before a dispute happens, not during one.
Built to the standard a Big-4 advisor would deliver, this editable spreadsheet is aligned to ISO 42001’s accountability requirements and complements your AI Governance Framework and RACI documentation.
What’s included
- Fully editable Excel workbook (.xlsx)
- Pre-populated decision types: tool approval, risk acceptance, deployment sign-off, incident escalation
- Authority levels mapped to roles (team lead, steering committee, board)
- Aligned to ISO 42001 accountability requirements
Who it’s for
Compliance officers, CTOs, and AI steering committees who need clear, documented decision rights before the first dispute over “who approved this” happens.
Key features of this AI decision authority matrix
Vague accountability is one of the most common gaps auditors find in AI governance programmes — a policy says “appropriate approval is required,” but nobody can point to who that actually is for a given decision. This matrix closes that gap with named decision types mapped to specific authority levels, so approval isn’t improvised case by case.
It’s built to work alongside your AI Governance Framework and any RACI documentation you already have — this matrix operationalises the accountability structure those documents describe at a high level.
Unlike a generic RACI template, this one comes pre-populated with the specific decision types AI governance actually requires — tool approval, risk acceptance, deployment sign-off, incident escalation — rather than a blank grid you have to populate from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
What file format is this in?
A fully editable Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) workbook, ready to add your branding.
Can I adjust the authority levels to my org structure?
Yes. The workbook is fully editable, so roles and approval levels can be mapped to your actual reporting structure.
Does this replace a RACI chart?
No — it’s scoped specifically to AI-related decisions and complements a broader RACI chart rather than replacing it.
Instant digital download. Delivered as an editable Excel workbook. 7-day guarantee — if the document doesn’t fit your needs, let us know.
Related toolkits: use this with the AI impact assessment template to route sign-off once a system’s risk is rated, and the AI acceptable use policy template to cover day-to-day tool use.
