Currys Partner with Neighbourly and Microsoft to Help Bridge the AI Skills Gap for Charities

Currys has announced that they will be partnering with giving platform Neighbourly and Microsoft as they unveil Ai123, an initiative aiming to equip 100,000 people with essential AI skills by June – potentially unlocking millions in efficiency savings for the charity sector.

Ai123 will see volunteers from Currys, alongside other companies, take part in a Train-the-Trainer course, receiving AI training before passing this on to grassroots organisations. The programme is designed to encourage the ripple effect: one trained volunteer empowers one or more charity leaders, who then share skills with colleagues, volunteers and ultimately thousands of service users.

This campaign comes as Neighbourly research reveals a stark digital divide: 64% of charities have yet to engage with generative AI, while 72% report significant digital struggles due to financial constraints, and 8.5 million people in the UK lack even basic digital skills. While many businesses invest heavily in AI adoption, the gap in AI skills between the corporate and charity sectors widens.

The programme focuses on practical, needs-based training identified by charities themselves – understanding baseline AI skills and entry points to help with everything from planning rotas to social media marketing. This hopes to ensure immediate applicability rather than theoretical concepts.

The campaign launches today with an initial target of 100,000 people trained, and exponential impact expected as knowledge cascades through participating organisations and communities.

“At Currys, we're thrilled to be part of the Ai123 initiative, bringing practical AI skills to the charity sector where they can make a tremendous difference. Our team members are passionate about technology's power to solve real-world problems, and this programme creates a unique two-way learning opportunity. Ai123 aligns perfectly with our commitment to help everyone enjoy amazing technology, and we've already seen enthusiasm from across our business to participate and volunteer time to this initiative.”

Paula Coughlan Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer

Zoe Colosimo, COO at Neighbourly, said "Charities are stretched beyond breaking point with limited budgets and overwhelming demand. AI could transform everything from fundraising efficiency to service delivery, but the knowledge gap is becoming a real concern because of the pace of change. Ai123 delivers the entry-level knowledge and confidence that charities desperately need to get started safely."

Hugh Milward, Vice President, External Affairs at Microsoft UK said: “AI skills are fundamental to ensuring everyone can participate in, and benefit from, an AI-enabled society. This joint initiative with Neighbourly and industry volunteers reflects our commitment to supporting people in the charity sector gain the confidence and knowledge needed to harness the AI opportunity.”