Copilot AI for Councils – Beginners

Overview:

A clear starting point for council staff who are new to Microsoft 365 Copilot, this beginner-friendly session explains what Copilot is, what is included in Microsoft 365, and how to use it safely and confidently for everyday tasks such as finding information, drafting simple content, and improving productivity. Delegates will take practical first steps to understand where Copilot can help, where care is needed, and how to write better prompts without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Topics:

• What Microsoft 365 Copilot is and how it fits into council work 
• What is included in Copilot Chat and what requires a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot licence 
• Using Copilot safely and understanding permissions, security, and data access 
• Finding documents, emails, and information more quickly 
• Drafting simple content such as emails, summaries, and first drafts 
• Writing effective prompts and refining responses 
• Good practice, limitations, and do’s and don’ts for everyday use 
• How to access on your mobile device 

These practical scenarios show how the skills from this session apply to everyday council tasks where Copilot can save time and support better results.

Scenarios: 

1. A council wants to understand the difference between the free Copilot experience and the paid licence before investing. 

2. Staff are unsure whether security settings will help or restrict Copilot and need a practical explanation. 

3. Delegates want to spot and use the AI features already available across Microsoft 365 without needing to be technical. 

4. A clerk needs to find a document, email, or message quickly instead of wasting time searching in multiple places. 

5. Staff want to understand where chats and conversations are stored so they can ask Copilot better questions. 

6.  A clerk wants to add their role, services, or council background into Copilot memory to help generate tailored content such as flyers or emails. 

7. Delegates need prompt etiquette guidance so they can ask clearer questions and get more useful answers from Copilot. 

8. Participants explore the prompt gallery to adapt examples for council work. 

9. A council wants practical do’s and don’ts for using Copilot safely, confidently, and professionally.

Who Should Attend:  
Ideal for clerks, officers, councillors, and support staff who are new to Copilot and want a practical introduction to using AI in Microsoft 365. This session is especially useful for those who want to understand where Copilot can help, where care is needed, and how to use it with more confidence.

Pricing:

• Free for CloudyIT customers using a training credit 

• £65 for non-CloudyIT customers (read T&Cs) 

Continue Your Digital Learning Journey:

Take the next step with Microsoft 365 AI Copilot for Councils – Advanced to apply Copilot more confidently across Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 tools.

Keep Building Your Digital Confidence:

• Try the Microsoft 365 Digital Skills Audit Tool
• Join an AI in Local Government Members’ Day
• Come along to a DisGovery Day in person