Introduction
AI is the newest and most talked about development in the tech sector in the past decade. It is moving at a fast pace, and the VCSE sector often gets left behind in these type of tech developments.
Fortunately, there is free training, webinars, podcasts and resources available to help you understand what AI can do, it’s limitations, and the ethical implications it can have on your organisation.
We have collated a list of these opportunities that may help you in your AI exploration.
Training
VCSE-Specific AI Training Programmes
Charity Excellence Framework (CEF): They offer a suite of free, certificated, and self-paced online courses supported by Microsoft. Home page This includes:
- Introduction to AI: Basics of how AI works and how to use it safely.
- AI for Fundraising: Specific modules on finding and winning grants.
- Management & Boards: Strategic AI training for trustees and leadership.
CAST (Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology): They offers free self-serve email courses. Including
- Getting Started with AI: A seven-week introductory course delivered via weekly emails.
- Supporting Your Organisation with AI: An eight-week follow-on course for those looking to champion AI adoption within their team.
AbilityNet workshops that help charities support older or disabled people with technology. Free Tech Support & Information | AbilityNet
Open University (CVSL): The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership provides free courses specifically on Generative AI for the voluntary sector. OLCreate: AI Law and Legal Training | OLCreate
Webinars and Podcasts
The Cranfield Trust provides free, on-demand webinars specifically designed for the VCSE sector. These webinars deliver practical skills training and guidance on essential management topics, including AI. Cranfield Trust Training | GoToStage.com In addition, they offer free charity resources including ready-to-use templates, guides, and tools covering essential management topics. Free charity resources | Cranfield Trust
Third Sector publication has weekly podcast series for everyone who needs to know what’s going on in the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, which includes AI. The latest AI developments that matter for the voluntary sector - Third Sector | Acast
Salford
Digital Everyone (Salford) supports the community to become digitally enabled. As part of their programme, they offer free AI skills support for residents and organisations in Salford. Discover Ai123: Free AI Skills Support for Salford’s Communities | Digital Everyone
Greater Manchester
As AI is very fast-moving so the GMCA has created a Digital Skills Map, which is a directory of free digital training in Greater Manchester/
Government and National Initiatives
There are wider free training programmes accessible to anyone in the UK, including VCSE staff, volunteers, and the people you support
AI Skills Boost: A government funded programme providing free online foundational training developed with partners like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Participants can earn a virtual "AI Foundations" badge. AI Skills Boost - AI Skills Hub
The Skills Toolkit: A collection of free online courses covering everything from digital essentials to advanced computer science.
Specialist Organisations and Resources
Charity Comms is a membership network for has an AI Hub for communications professionals working in charities. On their website, they have an AI Hub filled with updates and resources to help charity communications teams navigate the dynamic world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI hub | CharityComms
Charity Digital offers support to the VCSE sector with information and resources on all things digital. This includes free on-demand webinars, podcasts and videos, as well as paid-for training. Charity Digital - Home
Tech for Good Alliance - social impact through technology offer support to Charities with Technology How we support charities with technology — Tech for Good Alliance
The Good Things Foundation do work on digital inclusion and have useful resources, insights and news available, including AI Fixing The Digital Divide | Good Things Foundation
The Media Trust has a resource hub, with free guides, toolkits, blogs and tips designed to help you enhance your knowledge, stay informed about trends and developments, including AI, and gain advice from a range of communications experts. Resource Hub | Media Trust
