Councillors’ Workshop: The Future of AI in Local Government

A member-led event helping councillors understand AI’s place in governance

MEMBERS' IN PERSON DAY

Workshop for Councillors 

Our recent AI workshops have shown just how valuable it is when councillors come together to explore the practical realities of artificial intelligence.

Building on successful events in Somerset and Northamptonshire - delivered with SOCITM, SALC, CloudyIT and Breakthrough Communications, we’re now preparing our 2026 series.

Each workshop follows an Open Space format, meaning the agenda is shaped by the questions and priorities of those attending.

Reserve your place below and take a look at what we covered in previous sessions.

NCALC
Breakthrough Communications

Northants AI Members Workshop

Hosted by Northants CALC

Shaping Our AI Future Together: Harnessing the benefits to serve our local communities 

A collaborative day bringing together councils from Northamptonshire and beyond. 
We will explore the opportunities, challenges, and questions around AI in local governance and you will leave with ideas you can put into practice straight away. 

This event is a public–sector partnership between CloudyIT and Breakthrough Communications, proudly hosted by Northants CALC. 

Featured Contributors 

  • Lewis Anderson PSLCC – Clerk, Councillor & Sector Advocate 
    Sector leader with extensive AGAR, audit, and governance expertise; Clerk, RFO, councillor, and national network chair. 
  • Steve Walker – Head of Local Government Services, CloudyIT 
    Over 40 years in technology and digital transformation; architect of GovAssist and Chair of Waddesdon Parish Council. 
  • Daniel Purchase – Breakthrough Communications 
    Trusted sector voice helping councils transform how they engage with their communities, delivering forward-thinking training, resources, and support 
“It was a fascinating day, thank you.”
Cllr John Rowe, Hughenden Parish Council
“Yes—I came here frightened of AI. Now I leave feeling fairly confident.”
Cllr Jenny Blackshaw,Wedmore Parish Council
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Dates & Locations

YLCA AI Members Day

Event Cancelled

We are sorry this event has been cancelled. Thank you for your understanding and patience. New dates are coming soon.






YLCA AI Clerks Day

Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026


9.30am–4pm

Venue:

Keighley Civic Centre,

North Street,

Keighley,

BD21 3RZ

 

£40 per head

Clerks and Members AI Day, Llanelli

Date: Thursday 27th August 2026


9.00am – 3.30pm

Location:

Llanelli Rural Council,

Vauxhall Buildings,

Vauxhall, Llanelli,

Carmarthenshire,

SA15 3BD,

 

Cost:  £40 per delegate, including lunch 

LEARN MORE

Ready to Join Us?

Sign up for one of our upcoming AI members workshops, held at locations across the country. Each session offers a practical, thought-provoking space to explore how AI can support your council - helping officers work more efficiently, boosting productivity and streamlining everyday services.

Places are limited to keep the discussions focused and collaborative.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE TODAY
Agenda

  • 9:30am

    Arrival & refreshments

  • 10:00am

    Welcome & Introductions - Danny Moody / David Hall

  • 10:15am

    Open Space format & agenda building - Jon Harvey

  • 11:00am

    Session 1 - Participant-led discussions

  • 11:45am

    Session 2 - Participant-led Discussions

  • 12:45pm

    Lunch - Refreshments & networking

  • 1:30pm

    Session 3 - Participant-led discussions

  • 2:15pm

    Feedback, prize draw, and wrap-up with - Danny Moody

  • 3:00pm

    Close

FAQ's

This one-day event is created exclusively for local councillors who want to better understand the opportunities  and responsibilities, surrounding the use of AI in local government.

Whether you’re new to the topic or already exploring digital tools in your council, this workshop offers a unique space to:

  • - Shape the agenda yourself – no fixed topics, only what matters to you. 
  • - Learn from peers and experts across governance, technology, and communications. 
  • - Connect with councils from Northamptonshire and further afield. 
  • - Benefit from a unique partnership between CloudyIT, Breakthrough Communications, and Northants CALC. 
  • - Take away practical ideas to apply directly in your council. 

AI isn’t about replacing people - it’s about supporting officers, improving workflows, and freeing up time for the decisions and discussions that really matter.

This day is designed to inform, engage, and empower you to make confident, well-guided decisions about AI in your council.

  • - Expert-led sessions with Q&A 
  • - Printed materials: agenda, speaker bios, and plain-language summaries 
  • - Hands-on demos and AI tools to try 
  • - Buffet lunch and refreshments 
  • - Accessible venues with step-free access 
Wi-Fi and charging available 

  • - GovAssist Demo Table: See AI in action 
  • - Feedback Form: Help shape future training 
  • - Follow-up Pack: Slides, links, and AI resources delivered after the event 

We will be charging a fee of £40 per person to attended these events.

After, you have completed the sign-up form one of our sales team will send you an invoice.

CASE STUDY

Building AI Confidence Among Councillors

At the National Association of Councillors (NAC) Conference, members raised concerns around AI – questioning its ethics, data security, and real-world value in local government.

CloudyIT’s session, led by Steve Walker and Matthew Turnbull, began with a practical SWOT analysis, helping frame AI within the day-to-day realities of council work. From there, councillors explored real use cases and took part in a hands-on workshop using AI tools directly.

We addressed key concerns- transparency, ethics, and data protection – while showing how AI can support, not replace, the human element of governance.

Members left with clarity, confidence, and a stronger understanding of AI’s role in local government.

👉 Read the full case study

“AI initially felt like a challenge we weren’t equipped to handle, but through CloudyIT’s clear explanations and hands-on approach, we now have the knowledge to explore AI’s benefits responsibly.”
- Cllr. Graeme Brooks, Chairman, National Association of Councillors