Essex councils launch AI training to build digital culture

Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council have launched a digital training programme for 33 employees, part of a wider push to expand their use of data and artificial intelligence tools.

Delivered by training provider Multiverse, the programme covers data analysis and AI productivity in the workplace. It supports the councils' Digital Strategy for 2025-2028 and their plans to build a "digital-first culture" across both authorities.

Participants will take two Multiverse courses: one on using data and insights to inform business decisions, and another on AI-powered productivity. The AI course introduces tools including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Gemini.

Local authorities across the UK have increased investment in digital skills in response to ongoing budget pressures and limited staff capacity. Rising demand for services and higher resident expectations for online access and faster responses have also driven the shift.

The councils say the training will raise digital literacy and increase AI adoption across teams. They also link the programme to resource constraints and back-office workloads, with the aim of reducing administrative bottlenecks.

Course focus

The Data & Insights for Business Decisions course covers technical and analytical skills to help staff turn data into actionable insights for planning and operational decisions.

The AI-Powered Productivity course introduces AI fundamentals and practical applications in office workflows. It includes guidance on Microsoft 365 Copilot and Gemini for tasks such as drafting text and summarising information.

The councils want staff to use these tools without additional IT support and say the training will build confidence with digital systems while reducing friction in routine work.

Strategy backdrop

The Digital Strategy for 2025-2028 sets out an ambition to embed digital ways of working across both organisations. It also reflects wider efforts to modernise legacy processes and use data more consistently across departments.

The programme is positioned as part of a move towards more systematic use of information about residents and services, with the aim of improving how teams identify needs and target support.

Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of both councils, linked the programme to resource management and service priorities.

"As part of our ambition to improve how we serve our local community, we want to equip staff with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage resources. Our partnership with Multiverse will support us to embrace new technologies to help us better understand our resident's needs and target support more effectively," Stephenson said.

Sarah Bennett, Director of Customer and Digital at Rochford District Council, described the initiative as a response to demand pressures and the need for more sustainable services.

"Ultimately, we want to deliver the best possible service outcomes for our communities. To do this, it's vital that we begin embracing digital technologies to deliver more sustainable services and protect our staff from increasing demands. Partnering with Multiverse means our staff are equipped with the skills needed and we can start to embed a digital-first culture across the organisation. It's an exciting step forward for the council," Bennett said.

Training provider

Multiverse provides on-the-job training programmes in AI, data and digital skills. It says it has trained more than 20,000 apprentices since 2016 and works with more than 1,500 companies.

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, said the programme is intended to prepare council teams for change while improving day-to-day operations.

"By investing in AI tools and improving digital capabilities through training, Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Council are empowering teams to adapt to future change, enabling better outcomes for the communities they serve. We are proud to support both councils realise these new capabilities and help them unlock new efficiencies to better support their communities and staff," Eimerman said.

The councils have not provided details on the course duration or how progress will be measured across departments. They have also not set out specific use cases for Copilot or Gemini within council services, though they say the focus will be on productivity and data-led decision-making.

Multiverse has previously disclosed a USD $220 million Series D funding round and a USD $1.7 billion post-money valuation. It positions its programmes for learners at different career stages, including apprenticeships and structured training built around workplace projects.

The councils say the next phase of their digital strategy will include further work on adopting new tools and changing working practices across teams.