Kirsty McGrath Answers Your Copilot Questions
Following her headline session at the LGP Annual Conference, Kirsty McGrath, Managing Director of OnPoint Solutions, 8-time Microsoft MVP, and leading authority on Microsoft 365 Copilot, generously shared detailed answers to the questions she didn’t have time to address live.
Your Questions Answered
1. Using AI with sensitive information
Copilot respects sensitivity labels and SharePoint permissions, so confidential content won’t be surfaced or shared improperly. This helps ensure data stays secure within your organisation. Learn more.
2. AI and sustainability concerns
Like all AI solutions, large-scale AI can have environmental impacts. Microsoft actively works to reduce electricity and resource consumption, making sustainability a key focus. 2025 Sustainability Report.
3. AI and government cybersecurity
AI is transforming threat detection, identity management, and response automation, but it’s a complex area. Technical experts and Microsoft MVPs can provide deeper guidance. MVP Communities.
4. Avoiding fabricated responses
Encourage Copilot to be precise with prompts like “answer like your life depended on it” or ask clarifying questions. Always verify critical outputs and check reference links.
5. Using polite language
Politeness isn’t required, but saying “please” or “thank you” can make interactions more conversational and natural, enhancing the user experience.
6. Skills councils should develop
Key skills include prompting and agentic capabilities. Managers should also act as change leaders to help staff adapt to rapid AI developments.
7. Maintaining the human touch
AI is only as good as the people using it. Understand your audience’s needs and provide an alternative human option where necessary to maintain trust and service quality.
8. Training recommendations
Microsoft’s Copilot Learning Hub and LinkedIn Learning offer bite-sized to advanced training. Councils can also engage customised training to build confidence and adoption. Contact: [email protected].
9. Creating supplier agreements
Copilot can assist in drafting supplier agreements using Prompt Coach, helping councils streamline procurement documentation efficiently.
10. Energy use concerns
AI uses electricity, but Microsoft focuses on sustainability and reducing energy use for large AI workloads. Please refer to the Sustainability Report.
11. Privacy for tender submissions
Using corporate Copilot ensures submissions remain secure under Enterprise Data Protection. Avoid personal Copilot accounts for sensitive documents. Look for the green shield icon to confirm security.
Bonus: Kirsty’s RFT Prompt Example
During the session, Kirsty also shared a detailed Request for Tender (RFT) prompt used to generate a fully structured, government-compliant document for councils seeking Microsoft 365 Copilot training and change management services. The example showcases how Copilot can support professional-grade document creation while maintaining compliance with NSW Government procurement frameworks.
You can download the full RFT prompt example here to explore how AI can streamline and enhance your own procurement workflows.