AI Readiness Scorecard

How to Use This Scorecard

Rate your organisation on each of the 8 dimensions using the detailed rubrics below. Be honest — this is a diagnostic tool, not a report card. The goal is to identify where to focus your efforts, not to achieve a perfect score.

Best practice: Have 3–5 people from different departments score independently, then compare results. Gaps between scorers reveal misalignment that needs addressing before AI adoption can succeed.

Dimension 1: Data Maturity

How well-organised, accessible, and reliable is your data?

Score	Description	Indicators
1	Ad hoc	Data lives in spreadsheets and email. No central repository. Inconsistent formats. No data owner.
2	Emerging	Some systems of record exist but data silos persist. Basic reporting but manual data gathering.
3	Defined	Central data platforms in use. Data quality processes exist but aren't consistent. Some documentation.
4	Managed	Clean, well-documented data. Automated pipelines. Data governance in place. Regular quality audits.
5	Optimised	Data is a strategic asset. Real-time analytics. Strong governance. Data literacy across the organisation.

Dimension 2: Team Skills

How comfortable and capable is your team with AI tools?

Score	Description	Indicators
1	Unaware	Most staff haven't used AI tools. No training offered. Widespread uncertainty or fear about AI.
2	Curious	Some individuals experimenting on their own. No formal training. Interest but no structured support.
3	Developing	Basic AI training completed by some teams. A few power users sharing tips. Informal prompt libraries emerging.
4	Competent	Formal training programme in place. Most staff using AI tools regularly. Internal champions identified.
5	Advanced	AI fluency across the organisation. Staff building custom workflows. Knowledge-sharing culture. Continuous upskilling.

Dimension 3: Leadership Buy-In

How actively does leadership support and champion AI adoption?

Score	Description	Indicators
1	Resistant	Leadership sceptical or opposed. No budget allocated. AI seen as a threat rather than opportunity.
2	Passive	Leadership not blocking AI but not actively supporting it. No clear mandate or strategy.
3	Supportive	Leadership acknowledges AI's potential. Some budget allocated. AI mentioned in strategy documents.
4	Active	Executive sponsor assigned. Dedicated budget. AI included in strategic planning. Leaders using AI themselves.
5	Visionary	AI is a board-level priority. Significant investment. CEO/MD actively championing. AI embedded in company vision.

Dimensions 4–8: Quick Score

Dimension	Key Question	Score 1 (Low)	Score 3 (Mid)	Score 5 (High)
4. Technology Infrastructure	Can your systems support AI tools?	Legacy systems, no cloud, limited integrations	Cloud-based, some APIs, moderate security	Modern stack, API-first, enterprise security
5. Governance & Policy	Do you have AI usage guidelines?	No AI policy exists	Basic policy drafted, partially enforced	Comprehensive policy, regular reviews, compliance team
6. Culture & Change Readiness	Is the organisation open to new ways of working?	Change-resistant, siloed, risk-averse	Mixed — some teams open, others resistant	Innovation culture, psychological safety, experimentation encouraged
7. Use Case Clarity	Do you know where AI adds value?	No specific use cases identified	Some ideas but not validated or prioritised	Prioritised use case pipeline with ROI estimates
8. Budget & Resources	Have you allocated resources for AI?	No budget, no dedicated time	Small budget, part-time ownership	Dedicated budget, full-time AI lead, ongoing investment

Scoring Guide

Total Your Score (out of 40)

8–15: Early Stage — Focus on education and quick wins. Start with free AI tools, run a lunch-and-learn series, and identify 2–3 low-risk pilot projects. Don't invest heavily yet — build understanding first.
16–24: Developing — You have a foundation to build on. Formalise your AI policy, invest in structured training, and run 3–5 pilot projects. Assign an AI champion in each department.
25–32: Established — Ready for strategic AI deployment. Scale successful pilots, build internal expertise, integrate AI into standard workflows, and measure ROI rigorously.
33–40: Advanced — You're ahead of most organisations. Focus on custom AI solutions, advanced automation, competitive advantage through AI, and sharing your knowledge externally.

Focus on your lowest scores. Your AI readiness is limited by your weakest dimension. A score of 5 in Team Skills means little if Leadership Buy-In is a 1. Prioritise bringing your lowest dimensions up to at least a 3 before scaling AI initiatives.