What we do
Specialist AI expertise for higher education
We help universities and colleges move from AI curiosity to AI confidence - through training, coaching and strategic consulting designed specifically for the sector.
Our services
Staff Training
Practical, role-specific AI training for professional services, academic and researchers - delivered in a way that sticks.
Learn moreStudent Training
Structured AI literacy programmes that equip students with the skills, judgement and ethics to use AI effectively in their studies and careers.
Learn moreLeadership & Manager Consulting
Practical AI advisory for managers and team leaders driving day-to-day adoption, policy-in-practice, and service improvement.
Learn moreAcademic Coaching
Personalised 1-to-1 and small group coaching for academics - covering research, writing, teaching and administration, all through the lens of AI.
Learn moreTalks, Workshops & Away Days
Focused AI sessions for your event, team, or leadership day. From conference keynotes to one-off workshops and senior team away days, we bring practical, sector-aware AI thinking to single engagements as well as full programmes.
Learn moreWhy choose WorkSmart-AI?
We have been working with Universities for over a decade, supporting senior leaders and their staff to feel confident in making effective technological change. Understanding the business needs, whilst appreciating people's concerns and anxieties when it comes to new digital and AI technologies, underpins everything that we do.
We understand the importance of being able to prove ROI whenever key decisions are made. That's why everything we do is underpinned by data. From the initial consultation, right through to training and delivery, we use cutting-edge technology to support our approach, evidence impact and drive the returns.
Evidence proves that one-off workshops don't work when it comes to enabling effective digital transformation to happen in the workplace. That's why we offer personalised consultancy, training and support packages - working with you to meet the specific needs of your institution and your budget.
A personalised approach for every client
Just as every individual's AI capabilities are different, every university's needs are also unique. A personalised, institution-specific approach is therefore required to ensure specific needs are met and outcomes are maximised.
Our HE specialists will work closely with you to identify initial AI capabilities, understand goals and priorities, and design a tailored approach, selecting from our range of services either a stand-alone or multi-service package.
Using an HE-specific capability framework we identify knowledge gaps and confidence levels, and work with you to design a tailored package that achieves your goals and expectations.
All of our workshops are supported by on-demand access to asynchronous courses that reinforce and extend the learning.
For workshop packages, stakeholders are kept regularly up to date on developments, with a final high-level session being delivered to leadership, translating training insights into a clear action plan for sustaining momentum.
Choose which of our workshops for us to personalise and deliver. Expert-led, hands-on training sessions (F2F or online) tailored to your institution.
All workshop participants are invited to attend our "AI Cafe" online drop-in sessions, to keep momentum strong as AI evolves.
FAQs
What makes WorkSmart-AI different from other AI training providers?
We are HE specialists, with over 40 years' experience of working in higher education and the wider educational sector. We use this specialist knowledge to inform our people-first approach - helping staff feel confident and productive with AI and supporting leadership teams to make strategic data-driven implementation decisions.
Rather than just demonstrating tools, our training connects AI use to real measurable outcomes, like time saved, improved productivity, and better policy alignment. We also personalise our training to adhere to individual institutions AI and data policies.
Who are your services designed for?
Our core audience is universities and education providers - supporting staff, students and strategic leaders. We also work with local councils, public sector bodies, and SMEs across the South West who want to build practical AI capability and confidence.
How do you personalise training for each organisation?
Every project begins with a free consultation, using an HE-specific capabilities framework to identify your current use of AI, challenges, and goals. From there, we design a tailored roadmap that ensures all workshops, online courses, and resources address your specific context, policies and priorities. Through regular data-monitoring, we're able to iterate training to ensure that outcomes are fully achieved.
What's included in your programmes?
All of our work starts with an HE-specific needs analysis, to identify your level of AI capability and understand where your goals and priorities lie. From this we design with you a personalised learning and development package, that you're able to add to and expand upon based on your developing needs.
Our workshop packages also include access to online learning resources, online drop-in sessions, a follow-up review and next steps. If you're interested in specific tools or training that you don't see here, please let us know - we'll be able to work with you to ensure your priorities are covered in our training.