Data literacy and statistical communications for central banks
Bank of Portugal present their award-winning initiatives and insights
There has been a ‘silent’ revolution that central banks must do more to communicate its actions and decisions. As producers of high-quality statistics, central bankers must also learn to communicate them clearly and effectively. This practical six-session training programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills to interpret, evaluate and communicate data with confidence.
Participants will explore the principles of data quality, evidence-based decision-making, and effective statistical communication across central banking functions. The programme also examines how audiences consume information in an evolving digital landscape and how central banks can communicate with greater clarity, transparency and impact.
Through interactive discussions and a practical workshop, participants will develop audience-focused communication strategies that strengthen public understanding, trust and engagement.
Tutors
Lígia Maria Nunes
Bank of Portugal
Head of the statistical communication division
Lígia Maria Nunes is the Head of the Statistical Communication Division at the Statistics Department of Banco de Portugal, where she works since 2008. Her work focuses on statistical communication and the promotion of statistical literacy across diverse audiences.
She is also an Assistant Professor at Nova SBE and Nova IMS, teaching Statistics and Communication of Official Statistics. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Coimbra and has complemented her background with training in communication and digital media. She is the Portuguese representative at the Working Group on Statistical Communication of the European System of Central Banks and at the Expert Group on Dissemination and Communication of Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Agenda
Data as a strategic institutional asset (both internally and externally)
Understand why data is a strategic asset for central banks and why data literacy matters
- What is good data? And why does data quality matter for effective decision-making?
- Recognise the importance of data across different central bank functions internally? – monetary policy analysis, financial stability monitoring, supervision, payments and market infrastructure oversight, economic research
- Recognise the importance of data beyond the central bank i.e. for effective Communications, to support transparency, accountability and public understanding
Understanding and interpreting data for evidence-based communication
Building skills needed to critically interpret data and communicate evidence with confidence
- Understanding different types of data: structured vs unstructured, interpreting tables, charts and dashboards
- Fundamental principles of good quality data
- Asking the right questions to make informed decisions about data: where was it sourced? What does it measure? What are its strengths and limitations?
- Reviewing the basic concepts: corelation versus causation; missing data; and identifying outliers
- How to present evidence clearly to different audiences
Understanding the evolving information landscape
Understand how changing patterns of information consumption can influence the communication of official statistics
- The amplification of non-traditional news sources through social media and other platforms
- Understanding misinformation, misinterpretation and data taken out of context
- Why statistical literacy matters for both communicators and audiences
Using data as a tool to effective central bank communication
Learn how data can be used to make central bank communications more accessible, engaging and effective
- How can central banks leverage the right data and statistics to help improve trust and engagement with the public
- The impact of television and social media in influencing general public sentiments
- Understanding the principals of effective statistical communications with:
- Clarity
- Empathy
- Timeliness
- Consistency
- Accessibility
- Putting the audience at the centre: Designing statistical communications so that they can be understood, useful, relevant and shareable
- Choosing the right communication formats for different audiences and platforms
- Measuring communication and engagement effectiveness: performance analysis and measurement metrics
Bank of Portugal’s communication initiatives for data and financial literacy
Learn from a peer central bank how they drive communication with statistics
- Learnings from initiatives like StatFlix and Money Masters
- Recent initiatives to engage and build awareness with younger audience through data
Workshop: Designing your own data communication strategy
Apply the concepts from course to a practical central bank communication challenge
Participants will be asked to practically apply their learnings on how they would go by designing their communication strategy, by applying the knowledge gained. The aim and outcome of this exercise will be to analyse how:
- Participants are applying data literacy principles to communication challenges
- How they are translating statistical information into clear, audience-focused messages
- Developing a practical communication approach that supports transparency and public understanding
Enquire about:
- Agenda and registration process
- Group booking rates
- Customisation of this programme
Season tickets options
Accreditation
This course is CPD (Continued Professional Development) accredited. One credit is awarded for every hour of learning at the event.
