Building a corporate AI policy that actually works

Corporate AI policies can be challenging to develop. While a normal policy sets rules from the ground up, AI use is now so widespread that a policy has to adapt and build on the current situation. Still, while the train has already left the station, leaders can at least decide the route and the destination. 

If AI has been governed by nothing more reliable than individual judgment in your business so far, it’s time to set out a policy. The policies that actually work pair clear rules with a sanctioned tool that makes the approved path easier than the unapproved one. 

This guide and accompanying policy template are designed to be used together: read the guide to understand the framework, then adapt the template for your organisation.

What’s in the guide?

A practical governance framework covering the five things any enforceable AI policy needs to get right:

• Approved tools: why vague guidance leaves the product decision to the individual.
• Prohibited inputs: what needs to be named explicitly (and why a general warning isn’t enough).
• Data classification: a three-tier framework for the grey area between obvious and restricted.
• Output ownership: where the gap between consumer tool terms and enterprise agreements creates real exposure.
• Incident response: what needs to be documented before something goes wrong.

The guide also covers how to get the policy adopted across three different internal audiences, as well as what to measure at 90 days to know whether it’s actually working.

Fill in the form to download the guide, including the ready-to-adapt policy template.

The information in this guide is current as at 5 April 2026, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this guide are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. Some information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this guide. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this guide.