Training Work Package: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

1. Purpose of the Work Package

To introduce participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its real‑world applications, risks, and opportunities — in a way that is accessible, ethical, and empowering. The training demystifies AI and equips organisations to adopt it responsibly.

2. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain what AI is (and what it is not).

• Understand key AI concepts: machine learning, generative AI, automation.

• Identify practical AI use cases relevant to their organisation.

• Recognise risks, biases, and ethical considerations.

• Apply simple frameworks for safe and responsible AI adoption.

• Build a starter roadmap for integrating AI into their work.

3. Module Breakdown

Module 1: What Is AI?

Objectives

• Build a shared understanding of AI.

• Remove fear, hype, and misconceptions.

Key Concepts

• AI vs automation vs algorithms

• Narrow AI vs general AI

• What AI cannot do

• Why AI is accelerating now (data, compute, cloud)

Module 2: How AI Works

Delivered with simple analogies and optional technical depth.

Core Concepts

• Data → Training → Model → Output

• Machine learning basics

• Generative AI (text, images, audio)

• Limitations: hallucinations, bias, data quality

Interactive Element

Participants walk through a simple “train a model” analogy using everyday objects.

Module 3: AI in Everyday Life

Examples

• Smartphones

• Translation tools

• Email filtering

• Navigation apps

• Healthcare triage

• Fraud detection

• Creative tools (images, writing, video)

Activity

Participants identify AI they already use without realising.

Module 4: Opportunities for Organisations

Tailored to charities, SMEs, youth groups, and public‑sector teams.

Use‑Case Categories

• Productivity & admin automation

• Communications & marketing

• Data analysis & reporting

• Accessibility & inclusion

• Fundraising & donor engagement

• Service delivery improvements

Group Activity

Participants map AI opportunities to their own organisation using a guided worksheet.

Module 5: Risks, Ethics & Governance

Topics Covered

• Bias and fairness

• Privacy and data protection

• Transparency

• Accountability

• Cybersecurity considerations

• Human oversight

• Misuse and misinformation

Case Studies

• Charity using AI for volunteer screening

• SME using AI for customer service

• Youth group using AI for safeguarding content

• Public‑sector team using AI for decision support

Participants discuss what went right and wrong.

Module 6: AI Adoption Roadmap

Participants build a simple, actionable roadmap.

Roadmap Template

1. Assess current state

   • Skills, tools, data maturity

2. Identify high‑value use cases

   • Quick wins vs long‑term opportunities

3. Establish governance

   • Policies, roles, oversight

4. Pilot safely

   • Small‑scale, low‑risk experiments

5. Scale responsibly

   • Training, monitoring, continuous improvement

Module 7: Wrap‑Up & Assessment

Activities

• 10‑question knowledge check

• Group reflection: “What is one AI action we can take this month”

• Provide participants with a one‑page AI readiness checklist

5. Deliverables

• Trainer slide deck (modular, brand‑ready)

• Facilitator notes

• Participant workbook (activities, diagrams, glossary)

• AI use‑case identification worksheet

• AI adoption roadmap template

• One‑page executive summary for leadership

6. Target Audiences

• Charities & third‑sector organisations

• SMEs and micro‑businesses

• Trustees & board members

• Youth groups and community organisations

• Public‑sector teams

• ASN‑friendly simplified version available

7. Delivery Options

• In‑person workshop (half‑day)

• Virtual delivery (modular 1‑hour sessions)

• Executive briefing (30 minutes)

• Community‑friendly version (plain‑language, inclusive examples)