October 2025 Get Online London Meet-Up: AI for digital inclusion hubs and service users

31/12/2025

Read the key takeaways from our recent Get Online London Meet-up.

Network Ambassador Vick Virdee of ACDA Skills Training spoke about the impact of AI on basic digital skills, emphasising that AI is no longer optional for navigating modern life. He highlighted the need for AI literacy and the challenges faced by organisations in upskilling staff, volunteers, and learners due to varying levels of digital confidence and the rapid evolution of technology. Vick stressed the importance of providing a supportive environment for exploration and learning, as well as training based on principles rather than specific tools, to ensure that AI serves as a bridge to inclusion rather than a barrier.

Good Things’ Learning Design & Experience Officer Micheal Skelton introduced the AI Gateway, our new free online learning platform designed to help users understand AI concepts, its practical uses, and associated risks.

Later on we moved into breakout rooms where discussions highlighted varied experiences with AI adoption across different types of organisations.

Supporting staff and volunteers to feel confident in AI

Confidence is a challenge for some hubs with engagement levels varying across the workforce.
Some hubs have one person who has naturally become the AI leader and expert (often due to a personal interest in AI and emerging tech). This person champions AI to the rest of the organisation.
Others are encouraging all staff to use and learn about AIHubs are seeking free AI training opportunities and find the training provided by Good Things very helpful - the current AI training series with Generative Minds was recognised for its specific relevance to hubs and explanation of AI tools.
One hub noted a lack of commitment to learning and recognised the need to dedicate time to AI learning to feel more comfortable.

Delivering AI skills and support to the community

AI skills are being integrated into existing services, such as digital drop-ins and existing digital skills courses. This varies with some hubs embedding AI skills into all of their courses while others are still understanding how best to manage AI skills within the curriculum .
Learners are increasingly asking about AI and becoming more interested in developing AI skills.
Some hubs are generating interest by using AI for fun activities such as image generation.
Hubs are also focusing on the practical uses such as transcription and translation tools.
Some digital skills hubs are integrating AI into upskilling courses with an emphasis on ethical use for community benefit.
Some hubs noted a lack of maturity in their AI offering: they want to have a more generic focus on AI principles and ethics throughout their offer rather than just having an introduction to it through certain modules/courses.
Some hubs said they would be building the AI Gateway into digital drop ins and sessions

Key challenges and barriers

Some hubs noted a conflict between encouraging AI upskilling and maintaining public safety.
The Met. Police recently warned about image manipulation for scams. This has, in some cases, created fear and driven people away from using digital tools altogether A lack of AI confidence, skills and experience in staff and, particularly, amongst volunteers makes it difficult to confidently share knowledge with learners.
There is a trust issue amongst some staff, volunteers and learners which may also feed into a reluctance to engage with AI.
Language barriers were also raised as an issue.