Who is this AI course for?
This course is designed for policy communicators working in think tanks, NGOs, research institutes, and similar organisations who want to use AI to enhance their work – and prepare for a future where communications will increasingly be infused by AI, and audiences will be using AI to consume content.
What will I learn?
In a few years, we can expect that the world of work – and of policy communications – will look very different to today. Generative AI is revolutionising how people create content, how they complete tasks, and how research and policy is consumed and understood. This course helps you get ahead of the change, showing you how to harness the power of AI to enhance your communications efforts, while maintaining critical human oversight and navigating important ethical considerations in the framework of AI policy.
This course is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities generative AI presents for policy communicators in research, analysis, policy, and public affairs contexts. We’ll explore AI fundamentals, practical applications of AI for individuals and teams, and discuss the broader implications of increasing use of AI for think tanks and research institutes.
You’ll learn how AI can assist in tasks ranging from drafting policy briefs and creating social media content to analysing stakeholder feedback and personalising outreach strategies. You’ll also see evidence from the latest research and case studies into how this fast-moving technology is being used (and abused).
Generative AI course overview
We’ve developed the course to be highly practical and collaborative, building skills through hands-on experimentation, live sessions with sharing of prompt strategies, examples, and demonstrations of the capabilities of AI tools. You’ll gain first-hand experience of how these technologies can be applied and be encouraged to apply learnings to your current work, making the content immediately relevant.
Whether you’re new to AI or have some experience, the course offers something for you. There are five modules in this course, starting with fundamentals to provide a foundational understanding of AI and its ethical considerations and then moving to practical applications and hands-on experience with AI tools tailored for policy communications. We will equip you with immediately applicable skills and progressing to advanced applications and conversations around AI to prepare you for the evolving landscape of AI in
policy communications:
- What can generative AI do and why should it matter to you?
- Using generative AI ethically and responsibly
- You and generative AI, partnering on a task: five foundational steps
- Scaling generative AI: partnering with specialised AI assistants and software for common communications tasks and workflows
- Preparing for AI’s impact on your communications job – and your audiences’ expectations
Generative AI For Policy Communications
| Commitment: 2 hours per week | Duration: 5 weeks, starting 28th October 2024 |
| Price: £350 GBP (+VAT) | Study Mode: Tutor-guided, online learning |
Throughout the course, a module is opened each week on a Monday, including the study content and a practical exercise to be completed at your own pace. There are three live sessions, run via video conference, typically in weeks 1, 3, and 5.
By joining ‘Generative AI for Policy Communications’, you will gain access to The Craft, a global community of policy communicators, where you can share ideas, discuss AI-related challenges, and gain insights from peers.
Your instructor
Nick Scott
Nick Scott is a leading digital strategist, with over 20 years of experience transforming non-profits through innovative digital and AI initiatives.
Nick has deep connections to the world of policy communications. He was a co-founder of WonkComms, a community of practice focused on transforming think tank communications efforts. As Head of Digital at UK think tank the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Nick’s work earned the European Digital Communications Strategy of the Year Award.
Since 2021 Nick has been a freelance consultant, working with organisations including The International Science Council, Greenpeace, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and more to harness the power of digital and AI and increase their impact. He introduced tens of thousands of people in the non-profit sector to the potential of generative AI through courses and webinars for a diverse range of clients and regular posts and content on LinkedIn covering AI developments, opportunities, and challenges for the sector.
Nick is also the Director of the Centre for Responsible Union AI, a project that seeks to help trade unions strategically harness ethical and worker-friendly digital and AI, building their power and relevance to build a more just world of work in the AI age.
Accessibility statement
If you require additional accommodations or encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us at [email protected].