AI Courses for Council Staff and Consultants

You know AI could save your team time, but you need practical, council-specific training to make it happen.

These AI courses are designed for council staff and consultants who want structured, hands-on learning they can apply to real work straight away. Each course includes advanced AI prompts built specifically for local government.

AI workshop

Not sure how or when to use AI for your particular work? This practical workshop teaches you a proven framework for writing effective AI prompts. You’ll learn the 3Rs prompt framework, apply it to your own projects during the session, and identify new opportunities to make good use of AI. You will also receive access to the AI Prompt Writer to help you brainstorm new ways to use AI in different ways and at different stages in your project.

Available online for individuals or groups of up to 10 people.

Report writing training

Council reports shape decisions, and this course gives staff a clear, repeatable process for writing them well. Delivered as two online workshops with a writing task in between, participants work through every stage of a council report using AI prompts – from defining the issue through to polishing the text. Everyone leaves with permanent access to a comprehensive set of prompts and a process they can use for every future report.

Community engagement planning workshop

Planning community engagement for a council project can be complex, with multiple stakeholders, methods and timeframes to coordinate. This workshop will give staff a structured process for developing community engagement plans, supported by AI prompts designed for local government engagement.

Consultation documents workshop

Consultation documents need to present complex information clearly so that community members can provide informed feedback. This workshop will give staff a practical process for writing effective consultation documents, supported by AI prompts you can use whenever you’re consulting.

Custom AI training

Have a different project in mind? I work with council staff and consultants on a wide range of documents, including strategies, policies, plans and bylaws, so I understand the work you’re doing.

We’ll have a conversation about where AI can add value to your particular work, and I’ll develop bespoke prompts and hands-on training for your team.

Testimonials

Debra’s workshop was a fantastic introduction to understand and explore the ways that we can use AI to support our work. While I had already been using AI from time to time, Debra’s structured approach for writing prompts has really allowed me to understand how interrogate AI faster and with more accuracy as well as broadening my horizons about what AI can be useful for.
Shireen Munday
Munday Consulting
“Debra provided a series of AI prompt writing workshops for our team of 28, all of whom work in technical fields involving complexity and lengthy processes. The feedback from the team was that the sessions were very relevant and useful for their work. Being able to compare experiences some time after the initial workshop helped reinforce the learning and provide new ways to apply AI in our work. Debra’s approach was clear, engaging, and tailored to our needs—she made a complex topic accessible and fun. In short, Debra’s AI prompt writing workshops were engaging, practical and inspiring. Our team left with clear tools to boost creativity and efficiency – highly recommended!”
Jacqui Irwin
Team Lead, Management Planning, Department of Conservation

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any AI experience to attend these courses?

No. All courses are designed for people at all levels, from complete beginners to those already using AI who want to go further. I walk through everything step by step.

Can these courses work with Microsoft Copilot?

Yes. I develop prompts for use in Microsoft Copilot, which can also be used in ChatGPT or Claude.

What if my council has restrictions on AI use?

I follow a clear risk management framework when sharing information with AI. I’ll share this, as part of my AI Policy, during our initial discussions. And I’m happy to adapt my approach to meet your organisation’s requirements.

Can courses be delivered in person?

Yes. All courses can be delivered online or in person, depending on your preference. In-person delivery outside of Nelson and Richmond will involve travel costs, which I’ll confirm in advance.

How much do the courses cost?

After a free initial conversation, I’ll provide a proposal with a fixed fee so it’s clear from the start what you’ll be doing and how much it will cost.

What if someone on the team needs more individual support?

I also offer AI coaching for people who would benefit from personalised guidance related to a specific project.

Want to find the right AI course for your team?

Get in touch to arrange a free call. We’ll talk about what your team is working on and which course is the best fit.

Phone: 021 215 4698

Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz