Beginners Guide to using AI Tools

A 2-hour workshop delivered by TrailBright as part of our Digitally Enabled Workforce Series for HR and OD practitioners

* Please note this session is for HPMA members only**

*This session is for those in HR/OD/ Workforce roles**

Summary 

NOTE: No technical knowledge or previous experience with AI tools is required.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday work, yet many HR and OD professionals are still unsure where to begin, what tools are appropriate to use, and how to use them safely within organisational policies.

This practical and accessible workshop introduces AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT in a clear, non-technical way, focusing specifically on how they can support the work of professionals.

Rather than focusing on technology for its own sake, the session explores how AI can act as a thinking partner and drafting assistant, helping HR and OD teams save time, improve productivity, and support decision-making while maintaining professional judgement and governance.

Participants will also have the opportunity to try simple exercises during the session using tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, helping them experience firsthand how AI can support real work tasks.

Participants will leave with a simple framework for working with AI tools, practical examples relevant to HR and OD work, and the confidence to begin experimenting safely within their organisation.

Aim: 
To provide HR and OD professionals with a practical and confident introduction to using AI tools responsibly within their work.

Objectives: 
Participants will:

• Gain a clear, non-technical understanding of modern AI tools and how they are being used in organisations

• Learn a simple framework for working effectively with AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT

• Understand key ethical considerations including confidentiality, bias, data sensitivity, and accountability

• Explore which HR and OD tasks are appropriate for AI support

• Practice using AI as a thinking and drafting assistant rather than a decision-making tool

These objectives focus on building confidence and responsible AI use

Outcome:

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Feel more confident discussing AI within their teams and organisations

• Understand how AI tools can support common HR and OD tasks

• Have practical techniques they can apply immediately in their role

• Be able to identify safe, high-value opportunities for AI support in their own work

The session concludes with a practical exercise where participants map their real tasks and explore where AI could appropriately support them.

Target audience:

This session is suitable for: HR professionals, OD practitioners, Workforce and people professionals, Managers interested in understanding how AI may support people-related work

No technical knowledge or previous experience with AI tools is required.

Prework:

No formal prework is required.

However, to get the most value from the interactive elements of the workshop, participants should have access to at least one AI tool, such as:

A free ChatGPT account, or

Microsoft Copilot (including the free version available through a web browser)

Participants will have opportunities to try simple prompts and exercises during the session, so having access to one of these tools will allow you to follow along and experiment in real time.

Facilitator

Craig Dutton (Founder, TrailBright)

Craig delivers AI literacy and adoption workshops for HR, leadership, transformation teams, and knowledge workers. His sessions focus on helping organisations build confidence with AI tools while maintaining professional judgement, ethical awareness, and governance.

Craig specialises in translating complex AI concepts into clear, practical guidance that professionals can apply immediately in their work.

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdutton1/

Website : https://trailbright.co.uk/

Date: Thursday 28th May 2026

Location: Online

Time: 09:30 start, finish 11:30

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