The lifecycle
Eight stages, one clear output each.
Every page, tool and template on ClearPath belongs to one or more of these stages. Work through them in order, or jump to the one you need.
Set up and assess
Stage 1: Set up governance
Decide how AI is governed and who decides.
Stage 2: Inventory and intake
Know every AI system and control new ones at the door.
Stage 3: Assess risk and impact
Understand how risky each system is and for whom.
Stage 4: Design controls and document
Choose and document the right safeguards.
Build, run and improve
Stage 5: Test and validate
Show it works fairly, accurately and securely.
Stage 6: Approve and deploy
Make an informed go-live decision with people informed.
Stage 7: Monitor and respond
Catch problems early and respond well.
Stage 8: Review, report and retire
Keep improving, report honestly, retire safely.
Think of governance in two layers. The charter says what the program is for and who has authority. The operating model says how work flows day to day. Stage 1 sets up both; every later stage runs on them.
Not sure where you are? Take the readiness check or get a 90-day plan.
| # | Stage | Goal | Key outputs | Templates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Set up governance | Decide how AI is governed and who decides. | AI policy, governance charter, RACI, training plan | AI use policy, Employee acceptable use policy for AI tools, AI governance charter, RACI matrix, Training plan and attendance record |
| 2 | Inventory and intake | Know every AI system and control new ones at the door. | AI register, intake records | Use-case intake form, AI system register |
| 3 | Assess risk and impact | Understand how risky each system is and for whom. | Screening result, applicability record, impact assessment | Risk assessment form, AI impact assessment |
| 4 | Design controls and document | Choose and document the right safeguards. | Control plan, model or system card, data documentation, vendor file | Model or system card, Datasheet for a data set, Vendor questionnaire, AI contract clause checklist |
| 5 | Test and validate | Show it works fairly, accurately and securely. | Test plan, test and bias reports, red-team record | Testing and validation plan, Bias testing report |
| 6 | Approve and deploy | Make an informed go-live decision with people informed. | Approval record, transparency notices, oversight procedure, instructions | AI transparency notice (for users), Human oversight procedure, Notice to employees and applicants about AI use |
| 7 | Monitor and respond | Catch problems early and respond well. | Monitoring reports, incident log, notifications | Monitoring plan, AI incident response plan, Incident report form |
| 8 | Review, report and retire | Keep improving, report honestly, retire safely. | Periodic reviews, board reports, decommissioning record | Board report, Decommissioning checklist, Change log |
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