Founding Council

Founding Council Agreement

Council Safety of Artificial Intelligence (CSOAI)

Version 1.0
Effective: January 2026

1. Appointment

This Agreement confirms the appointment of the undersigned as a Founding Council Member of the Council Safety of Artificial Intelligence (CSOAI).

"Shaping the future of AI governance from the very beginning"

2. Founding Council Role

Purpose

The Founding Council provides strategic guidance, expertise, and governance oversight during CSOAI's establishment phase and ongoing operations.

Composition

50

Maximum Founding Members

4+

Stakeholder Groups

5

Global Regions

Diverse Representation

Industry
Academia
Policy
Civil Society

3. Rights & Privileges

Voting Rights

  • • Vote on Charter amendments (Article 45)
  • • Vote on major governance decisions
  • • Elect Human Council representatives

Permanent Recognition

  • • Listed as Founding Member in perpetuity
  • • Recognition on website and materials
  • • "CSOAI Founding Member" designation

Fee Benefits

  • • Lifetime 50% discount on membership fees
  • • Free access to all training programs
  • • Priority access to new initiatives

Governance Access

  • • Direct input on Charter development
  • • Early review of policy proposals
  • • Access to Founding Council communications

4. Responsibilities

Active Participation

  • • Attend minimum 50% of Founding Council meetings
  • • Respond to governance votes within timeframes
  • • Contribute expertise when requested

Advocacy

  • • Support CSOAI's mission publicly where appropriate
  • • Represent CSOAI professionally
  • • Refer potential members and partners

Confidentiality

  • • Protect confidential CSOAI information
  • • Not disclose deliberations without consent
  • • Maintain security of shared materials

Conflicts of Interest

  • • Disclose any conflicts promptly
  • • Recuse from decisions where conflicted
  • • Act in CSOAI's best interest

5. Time Commitment

4×

Quarterly meetings

(2 hours each)

1×

Annual planning

(half day)

Ad-hoc

Consultations

(as needed)

15-25

Hours/year

(total estimate)

This is a voluntary role with no compensation. Travel expenses for required in-person meetings covered by CSOAI when funds permit.

6. Term

Duration

Founding Council status is permanent (lifetime). Active participation expected for first 3 years.

Emeritus Status

After 3 years: Emeritus status available with reduced obligations, retained recognition.

Resignation

May resign anytime with written notice. Founding Member recognition retained unless revoked for cause.

Removal Conditions

CSOAI may remove a Founding Council Member for: conduct bringing CSOAI into disrepute, material breach of this Agreement, or failure to participate for 12+ consecutive months. Removal requires 2/3 vote of remaining Founding Council.

7. Intellectual Property

Contributions

Any contributions to Charter, frameworks, or materials become property of CSOAI and will be attributed where appropriate.

Use of CSOAI IP

Founding Members may reference membership and use "CSOAI Founding Member" designation.

8. Confidentiality

Confidential information includes:

  • • Founding Council deliberations
  • • Unpublished Charter drafts
  • • Member & financial information
  • • Strategic plans

Period: 5 years after end of active membership

9-10. Liability & Governing Law

Good Faith Protection

Founding Council Members acting in good faith are indemnified by CSOAI against claims arising from their CSOAI role. Excludes willful misconduct, gross negligence, breach of Agreement, or criminal acts.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Areas of Expertise We Seek

AI/ML Technical
AI Safety Research
Governance/Policy
Legal/Regulatory
Enterprise/Industry
Healthcare AI
Defense/Aerospace
Financial Services
Academia
Civil Society

Geographic Diversity

🇬🇧UK/Europe
🇺🇸North America
🇯🇵Asia-Pacific
🇦🇪Middle East/Africa
🇧🇷Latin America

Interested in Becoming a Founding Member?

Join the first 50 leaders shaping the future of AI governance. Limited positions available.

© 2026 Council Safety of Artificial Intelligence. All Rights Reserved.