Making AI Inclusive: KFC UK’s Neurodiversity Journey with Softcat
Project at a Glance
Softcat partnered with KFC UK & Ireland to support its wider digital transformation by making Microsoft 365 Copilot more accessible for neurodivergent employees. Through a tailored, inclusive workshop, Softcat demonstrated how Copilot could simplify day-to-day tasks, reduce cognitive load, and help employees integrate AI confidently into their daily workflows, supporting KFC’s wider DEI objectives.
team members within the KFC UK & Ireland organisation
employees supported by the Restaurant Support Centre, including digital and technology teams
Challenge
As part of its ongoing investment in technology and innovation, KFC rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot across the business to improve efficiency. However, adoption was lower among neurodivergent employees, many of whom found existing digital workflows overwhelming and previous training too generic. KFC needed practical, personalised guidance that showed employees how Copilot could genuinely support their individual working styles and reduce cognitive load, while aligning with its DEI commitments.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Inclusive Copilot Adoption
Tailored solutions addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent employees
2
Practical AI Enablement
Practical, persona-based use cases to demonstrate real-world value
3
DEI‑Driven Digital Transformation
Alignment with KFC’s DEI objectives and digital enablement roadmap
Solution
Softcat designed and delivered a tailored Copilot workshop specifically for KFC’s neurodiversity team. The session focused on real-world, persona-based scenarios to show how Copilot could help structure tasks, manage priorities, and minimise distractions. Softcat also introduced personalised prompt engineering techniques and inclusive design best practices, enabling employees to build prompt libraries that supported memory, planning, and accessibility within Microsoft 365.
- Persona-based Copilot scenarios tailored for ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
- Creation of prompt libraries to support memory and planning.
- Inclusive design recommendations to enhance accessibility and user experience.
Results
The workshop had an immediate impact, giving employees the confidence and practical skills to embed Copilot into their daily routines. Neurodivergent staff reported feeling more supported, and Copilot usage increased as employees saw clear, relevant benefits to their own workflows. The engagement also helped elevate conversations around accessibility and inclusion at leadership level, strengthening KFC’s long-term partnership with Softcat and opening the door to future initiatives focused on inclusive technology.
- Increased adoption of Microsoft Copilot across neurodivergent teams.
- Enhanced employee confidence and productivity through tailored training.
- Strengthened strategic partnership between KFC and Softcat.
Softcat has been an enabler for us, especially across AI. You made it relevant to our audience and showed us what’s possible.
Julian Wilson
Solutions Architect, KFC UK