AI-Ready Workforce: Strategy, Skills & Secure Integration

In these interactive sessions, we’ll look at how AI is reshaping work, where it creates real opportunities, and where it can create risks.

AI is changing how every organisation works and what every role looks like.

This workshop helps leaders and teams understand what AI means for them and how to prepare in a practical, safe and human-centred way.

In these two interactive sessions, we’ll look at how AI is reshaping work, where it creates real opportunities, and where it can create risks such as over-automation, hidden “Shadow AI”, and the loss of important human skills.

Through discussions, real examples and guided activities, you’ll learn how to build an AIready workforce that can innovate confidently while staying secure and protecting the skills that matter most.

Due to limited spaces, these 45 minute sessions will be run twice at Venture Cafe.

Session One - 17.15-18.00.

Session Two - 19.15-20.00.

What to expect

This is a hands-on, discussion led workshop including:

• Real workplace examples and scenarios

• Group reflection and smallgroup activities

• Skillsmapping exercises

• Conversations about risk, governance and safe AI use

By the end of the session, you will be able to:

• Develop a clear, practical AI workforce strategy

• Identify the key skills your organisation must protect

• Spot and address “Shadow AI” risks

• Put simple governance and cultural practices in place to keep people safe and skilled

• Support teams to use AI responsibly while keeping human strengths at the centre

Bio of Deliverers:

Rob Fox-River

Rob leads EY’s Cyber Security Practice for Healthcare, specialising in making cyber security accessible. Known for his clear and relatable teaching style, Rob is passionate about empowering businesses with the knowledge and confidence to protect their digital assets. He says, “My goal is to help you understand cyber so that you can use it to help your people, your business and your customers.”

Alanah Swift

Alanah is a Technology Consultant at EY, helping organisations adopt AI responsibly and strengthen cybersecurity. She focuses on building AI-ready workforces through strategy, risk management, and secure integration, delivering practical guidance on ethics, resilience, and innovation.

Jordan Campbell

Jordan is a Manchester based consultant at EY, currently working in the Technology Strategy & Transformation team. He was previously worked at a Manchester based AI startup specialising in Inventory and Pricing optimisation.

This session is designed for:

• Teams planning to pilot or scale AI initiatives

• People managers and transformation leads

Spaces are limited for each session – book your place now!

Disclaimer: By signing up for this event, you agree that your registration details may be shared with our event partners at Venture Café Manchester for the purpose of event coordination, followup communication, and providing relevant support or resources related to this session.

Your information will be handled securely and in line with all applicable data protection regulations.

For more information on how your data is stored please visit our privacy policy.

Please note: To attend this workshop, all participants must register for Venture Café ahead of the event. Venture Café operates as a community-driven platform, so registering with them is required for entry into the space and for participation in any sessions taking place on-site.

Registration is free and only takes a couple of minutes. Once completed, you’ll receive access to the wider Venture Café activity, as well as this workshop. You can register yourself via this link: GATHERUS - Event Details

About Venture Cafe

Venture Café is a global movement built on a simple but powerful belief: isolation is the enemy of innovation. Through regular Thursday Gatherings, weekly from early 2026, founders, researchers, investors and innovators come together to share ideas, explore new technologies and build meaningful connections. Venture Café Manchester creates a central hub for the city's innovation ecosystem, driving visibility, collaboration and community.