Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of delivering two open-access sessions at City Hall as part of London Data Week, a celebration of data, digital skills and emerging technology. It was an inspiring week, bringing together people from all walks of life to explore how data and AI can be used for public good.

Decoded was proud to play a part. Our sessions, GenAI Prompt Engineering: An Introduction to Getting the Best Out of AI, were designed to demystify tools like ChatGPT in a hands-on, approachable way. No technical background required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

But this blog isn’t just about what we taught. It’s about what I learned.

A Room Full of Curiosity

The sessions were open to everyone, and that openness really showed. I found myself working with a wonderfully diverse group: NHS staff, teachers, local council officers, community workers, and early-stage founders. Many had no formal background in AI or data science, but all came with thoughtful questions and a real appetite to understand how these tools could help in their day-to-day work.

For me, it was such a refreshing change of pace. At Decoded we typically work with corporate institutions, but this was something different. Participants brought great questions and fresh perspectives. They were already using AI in creative, grounded ways, from streamlining admin tasks to creating more engaging learning materials.

Our session was deliberately hands-on and jargon-free. We explored the basics of what Generative AI is, how it responds to prompts, and how small changes in the way you ask can unlock very different results. We kept things practical, accessible and open. For many, it was their first time using AI, and that’s exactly who the session was designed for.

The Everyday Use Case Is the Most Powerful

One moment that really stuck with me came during a conversation with a NHS doctor. She explained how she’d started using ChatGPT to draft referral letters and help with administrative tasks. Not to revolutionise a department. Just to claw back some precious time. It was such a reminder that AI isn’t just for data scientists or digital teams. It’s for everyone.

And that’s the point. Real impact often starts with the everyday. The small wins that help people work smarter, solve a niggle, or feel more confident. That’s where capability building begins.

What This Means for AI Training and Capability Building

At Decoded we believe that AI is for everyone. It’s not just for developers or data scientists. It’s for the clinicians, the teachers, the civil servants, and the community workers. People who might not think of themselves as ‘technical’ but who increasingly need digital skills.

We need to meet people where they are. That means dropping the acronyms, building confidence, and focusing on what’s useful. We always say: start small, start practical, and support people to experiment.

And we’re increasingly doing this beyond the corporate world. Right now, we’re preparing to launch our next Level 3 Generative AI apprenticeship cohort specifically for public sector professionals this October. There’s a growing appetite for these skills, and we’re excited to help meet it.

Bringing AI Skills to New Audiences

London Data Week is all about giving everyone a seat at the table when it comes to data. The strapline says it all: data in the public, for the public. Our experience at City Hall showed just how powerful it can be when those doors are opened.

We’re proud to be part of this wider conversation. If you haven’t been to a London Data Week event, I highly recommend it. It’s a brilliant opportunity to see what’s possible when technology and community come together.

If you’d like to explore how we can help build AI confidence across your team or sector, get in touch. Or take a look at our AI and prompt engineering workshops.

I’d love to continue the conversation!