Senior leaders most at risk of causing AI errors in UK businesses, research finds

Senior leaders were named the riskiest users of artificial intelligence (AI) in UK businesses according to research from La Fosse. 

The survey found executives responsible for governance were most likely to use AI heavily, override expertise and operate with weak oversight.

More than half of tech workers said AI decisions were made without the right expertise. 

65% of C-suite executives admitted these decisions happened at the most senior level. 

The survey also showed 93% of C-suite executives had made decisions based on AI outputs from inaccurate data.

Nearly three-quarters of c-suite executives said they had uploaded confidential company data into AI tools. 

78% of C-suite executives said they relied on AI for work they were not trained to do. 

Less than half of junior and mid-level staff said the same.

40% of C-suite executives reported serious business impacts from AI errors. 

Entry-level staff reported 32%, intermediate staff 11%.

Ollie Whiting, CEO at La Fosse, said: “The people with the greatest autonomy over AI are also the ones most exposed to its risks. 

“Concentrated at the top of organisations, this risk is often hidden behind confidence and speed, while gaps in governance, skills, and accountability widen beneath the surface. 

“Organisations must ensure leaders have the right expertise before these decisions cause real business impact.”

Additionally, the research found greater responsibility and autonomy at senior levels meant more exposure to AI risk. 

C-suite executives and directors used AI more intensively, made higher-stakes decisions and had less oversight than their teams.

Entry-level staff were less likely to engage in risky AI behaviour but reported higher rates of serious business impact at 32%, while middle management reported 17% and intermediate staff reported 11%. 

Errors at the front line still caused severe consequences.

Seven in 10 C-suite executives said they were ‘very confident’ in their AI expertise. 

Directors reported 48%, senior management 50%, middle management 36%, entry-level staff 33% and intermediate staff 27%. 

65% of C-suite executives said AI decisions were still made without the right expertise. 

80% said a dedicated AI specialist was needed at board level.

Whiting added: “The disconnect between confidence and competence is undermining trust and adoption of AI across organisations. 

“When employees don’t believe leadership understands AI, they are less likely to embrace AI initiatives, flag problems early, or trust AI-driven decisions being made at a high level. 

“Boards can no longer assume seniority equates to capability – governance, expertise, and scrutiny are essential.”

Half of tech workers expected AI to lead to job losses at their company within three years.

Whiting said: “Even the most experienced experts are still learning about AI – and those in the c-suite scrutinising their own confidence, competence, and AI-related decision making thoroughly are going to win long-term. 

“Organisations need to be willing to look beyond the headlines, confront uncomfortable realities, and take action before those risks compound.

“Our purpose at La Fosse is to deliver the future-proof technology talent organisations need to succeed.”

He said: “We work closely with leaders under pressure to move quickly and stay competitive, and understand the enormous opportunity AI presents.”