AI Workshop:
Learn to Use AI Confidently in Your Council Work
You know AI could save you time, but between back-to-back meetings and looming deadlines, when are you supposed to figure out how to use it? This hands-on AI workshop gives you a proven prompt writing framework and practice applying it to your projects, as well as extra ideas for use AI in your particular work.
Is this AI workshop right for you?
This workshop is for council staff and consultants who work with councils. It’s a good fit if you think AI might help you work faster and smarter, but you haven’t had much time to experiment with how to apply it to your work.
Maybe you’ve tried a few prompts and got vague or unhelpful results, and you’re not sure what you’re doing wrong. You don’t need any previous experience with AI to attend. I’ll guide you through everything step by step.
What you'll learn in this AI workshop
The workshop follows a five-phase structure designed to build your skills and confidence progressively. By the end, you won’t just understand AI in theory. You’ll have used it on your own work and seen what it can do.
Phase 1: Learn the prompt framework
You’ll learn the 3Rs framework for writing effective prompts and a risk management framework for using AI safely at your council. This gives you a reliable, repeatable approach you can use on any task.
Phase 2: Apply the framework to your work
You’ll write a prompt related to your current work and try it out in Copilot during the session. This is where things click. You’ll see immediate results that show you what’s possible.
Phase 3: Brainstorm ideas
Together, we’ll brainstorm additional ways to apply AI in your role. You’ll walk away with a list of practical ideas you can implement straight away.
Phase 4: Experiment with the AI Prompt Writer
You’ll use the AI Prompt Writer tool to uncover even more ways to apply AI in a current project. This tool continues to be useful well after the workshop is over.
Phase 5: Build on your momentum
A follow-up session one month later gives you the chance to reconnect with other participants, share what’s worked, and learn from each other’s experiments. This is where the learning really sticks.
What's included
When you attend this generative AI workshop, you’ll receive:
- A proven 3Rs framework for writing prompts that get useful results.
- Real, hands-on experience using AI on your own council work during the session.
- A risk management framework for using AI safely in a council setting.
- Ready-to-use AI prompts designed specifically for council work.
- A follow-up session one month later to share experiences and build on your progress.
- Six months’ access to two AI tools: the AI Prompt Writer (for generating ideas on how to apply AI in your projects) and the Use Case Writer (for recording what worked well, so you can share it with your team).
What changes after the workshop
People regularly tell me their confidence jumps significantly during the session, particularly when they are relatively new to AI.
At the Marlborough District Council workshops, many participants rated their confidence four points higher by the end of the day, moving from scores like 0 to 4, or 3 to 7. You’ll leave with a clear framework, practical tools, and the confidence to keep experimenting on your own.
Testimonials
Feedback from Marlborough District Council staff:
“Great, thanks! Awesome to have someone who understands our work.”
“Easy to understand. Much easier than I thought it would be.”
“Good to have people from across Council from an information sharing perspective, lots of different ideas on how to use AI.”
“Pitched at a good level for people who know nothing about AI. Not overwhelming.”
“Thank you for this training. This is going to help make certain tasks a whole lot easier going forward.”
Choose your workshop option
Workshops are usually delivered online, but in-person delivery is also available on request.
- 1:1 training: $295 + GST
- Up to 5 people: $395 + GST
- Up to 10 people: $495 + GST
Ongoing acccess to the AI Prompt Writer
When your six months’ access to the AI Prompt Writer and Use Case Writer comes to an end, you can continue using them for $50 + GST per year. This rate is for individual users. Get in touch to discuss access for your team or wider organisation.
About me
I worked in policy and planning roles at Nelson City Council for nearly 20 years, so I understand the types of documents council staff need to produce. For the past 12 years I’ve been providing writing and editing services for councils around New Zealand.
Since 2024 I’ve been figuring out how to apply AI specifically to local government work. I’ve developed prompts and processes that help council staff use AI safely and effectively, and I’ve delivered this AI training to staff at Marlborough District Council, Tasman District Council, three Northland councils, the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Planning Institute and to individual consultants.
Frequently asked questions
The 3Rs framework works for any council role, from policy and planning to engineering and communications. You’ll apply it to your own current work during the session, so you’ll see immediately how it fits what you do.
What if my manager has concerns about AI use?
The workshop includes clear guidance on using AI within a risk management framework. I can share this framework with you before the session so you can confirm the approach matches your organisation’s expectations.
Do I need any previous experience with AI?
No. The workshop is designed for complete beginners as well as people who want to expand their current use. All you need is access to your council’s version of Copilot.
Can I attend if I work as a consultant for councils?
Yes. Consultants who work with councils will find this training just as valuable. We’ll discuss alternatives to Copilot, such as the paid versions of ChatGPT and Claude, and I’ll help you develop your own AI policy so you can provide a transparent service to your clients.
What happens after the workshop?
You’ll have six months’ access to the AI Prompt Writer and Use Case Writer tools, plus a follow-up session one month later. The follow-up is one of the most valuable parts of the programme. It gives you a chance to share what’s working, troubleshoot any challenges, and pick up new ideas from other participants.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch for more details or to book your workshop.
Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz
Phone: 021 215 4698
