We’re pleased to announce another running of our popular AI literacy curriculum for professional services staff across the Summer.
This structured curriculum will provide professional services staff with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively and confidently, starting with foundational understanding, moving into practical skills and developing the critical awareness needed for responsible and informed use.
Professional services staff support a wide range of activities, from student services and administration to IT, libraries, HR and marketing. As AI becomes more embedded in these areas, there is a growing need to understand how it works, where it can be useful and how to use it responsibly in day-to-day practice.
Why this matters for professional services staff
AI is already influencing how we manage information, communicate with students, streamline processes and support day-to-day work.
Alongside the opportunities, it also raises new considerations, including data privacy, bias, accuracy, intellectual property and environmental impact.
Becoming AI literate means understanding how AI works, where it can support your role and how to use it responsibly in a professional context. It helps you use AI confidently, evaluate outputs critically and apply it in ways that are appropriate, effective and aligned with your organisation’s expectations.
Curriculum overview
The professional services AI literacy curriculum is structured as a three-session programme. Each session can be attended individually or followed as a complete pathway.
We recommend attending all three sessions to get the most benefit, as each builds on the last to develop a well-rounded understanding of AI in a professional services context.
It provides an accessible entry point for professional services teams, with opportunities to deepen knowledge, explore specialist areas and build role-specific capability.
Session 1 – Understanding AI in tertiary education for professional services
This session introduces the fundamentals of generative AI and its relevance across professional roles.
What we cover:
- Understand AI basics
- Explore AI’s role and impact
- Develop prompting techniques
Session 2 – Essential AI skills for professional services
This session focuses on the practical use of AI in day-to-day work, with an emphasis on productivity and creativity.
What we cover:
- Use everyday AI tools to support everyday tasks
- Share ideas to improve productivity
- Explore creative uses of AI
Session 3 – Ethical and responsible use of AI for professional services
What we cover:
- Understand AI safety
- Consider data and privacy
- Responsible use of AI
Who should attend
This curriculum is for professional services staff who want to build their understanding of AI and how it applies to their role.
It is designed for those involved in:
- Student services and support
- Administration and operational processes
- IT, libraries and digital services
- Communications, marketing and engagement
Building digital capability
Before the live sessions, you may find it useful to benchmark your current digital skills and identify strengths and areas for development.
The building digital capability service from Jisc supports staff to assess their digital capabilities, including their confidence and experience with AI.
When and how to join the training
We will be running each session twice throughout July and August as live online webinar sessions delivered via Microsoft Teams.
- Sessions last approximately one hour
- Each session includes practical examples, guided activities and time for questions
- Sessions can be booked individually, but we recommend attending all three
July and August dates and times
Session 1 – Understanding AI in tertiary education for professional services – Tuesday 21 July, 11:00–12:00 and Wednesday 29 July, 14:00–15:00
Session 2 – Essential AI skills for professional services – Wednesday 5 August, 11:00–12:00 and Tuesday 11 August, 14:00–15:00
Session 3 – Ethical and responsible use of AI for professional services – Tuesday 18 August, 11:00–12:00 and Wednesday 26 August, 14:00–15:00
For more details and booking, visit the Jisc training page.
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
Join our AI in Education communities to stay up to date and engage with other members.
Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk
