The Policy Fellowship introduced me to a diverse set of experts and public servants, creating a valuable network that will last long beyond the Fellowship.
Policy Challenge
To deliver robust safety assurance for the new self-driving vehicle framework, what sort of detailed technical requirements should be the centre for connected and autonomous vehicles develop in secondary legislation and guidance?
Learning Journey
Self-driving vehicles represent an exciting and complex technology that could transform the way we travel for the better. My policy challenge sought to understand how we can develop a regulatory framework that supports both innovation and improved safety outcomes through the authorisation requirements placed on the companies responsible for the way the vehicle drives.
Each conversation was strengthened by the one before, ranging from how to make use of best practice and artificial intelligence (AI) assurance considerations, to how to bring the public with you in this brave new world.
The Fellows were diverse and generous experts who provided compelling insights into wide-ranging industries. These included those who were already well-known within the sector to the aviation, nuclear, AI assurance and defence industries. I was delighted by the variety of Fellows, and the intellectual stretch the conversations provided. Key insights included the benefits of outcomes-based regulation and different approaches to the collection and use of data.

Elena Gillies is Head of Automated Vehicles Act Implementation for the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). Elena started her career on the Welcome Trust, a global health research charity, before moving to Public Health England’s Parliamentary team, various private office roles at the Department for Education and rail reform roles at the Department for Transport. Elena completed her Policy Fellowship whilst leading policy development of the authorisation of self-driving vehicles.
Impact
The Policy Fellowship introduced me to a diverse set of experts and public servants, creating a valuable network that will last long beyond the Fellowship. I have already shared and applied many key learnings to the development of the future regulatory framework. Furthermore, I have encouraged colleagues to train in systems thinking as a way of tackling complex problems, anticipating unintended consequences and identifying long-term solutions.