Data literacy and statistical communications for central banks

22 September, 14:00-18:00 BST/ 09:00-13:00 EDT
Virtual
1 day

Agenda
Learning objectives
Contact us

Bank of Portugal presents its initiatives and insights

As producers of high-quality statistics, central banks must learn to utilise data effectively in their communications. This practical training programme will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to interpret, evaluate and convey data with confidence. Participants will explore principles of data quality, evidence-based communication and effective statistical communications while considering how audiences consume and interpret information in an evolving digital landscape. Drawing on practical examples from the Bank of Portugal, the programme will examine how central banks can communicate with greater clarity, relevance, transparency and impact. Through interactive discussions, short exercises and an individual workshop, participants will outline an audience-focused data communication initiative, considering the target audience, its information needs, suitable content, formats and channels, potential constraints and measures of success.

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).

Ana Bárbara Pinto

Bank of Portugal

Statistical communication expert

Ana Bárbara Pinto holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Economics from the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto.

She joined the Statistics Department of Banco de Portugal in 2000. Throughout her career, she has worked in several division within the department. Most of her professional experience has been in the Central Balance Sheet Office, which manages data on non-financial corporations. More recently, she joined the Communication and Planning Division.

Carla Ferreira

Bank of Portugal

Head of the statistical communication unit

Carla Ferreira holds a degree in Applied Mathematics for Economics and Management from ISEG and a master’s degree in Statistics and Information Management from Nova IMS.

She has worked in the Statistics Department of Banco de Portugal since 2002, holding roles in several divisions, including external statistics, non-financial corporations and securities statistics. She currently heads the Communication and Dissemination Unit.

Agenda

Data as a strategic institutional asset

What constitutes good data?
Key dimensions of data quality: accuracy, relevance, timeliness, consistency, comparability and accessibility
Why quality principles matter for external communication
The difference between having reliable data and communicating them effectively
From data to institutional value: Data → insight → message → communication product

Understanding and interpreting data

Asking the right questions to make informed decisions about data: Where did it come from? What does it measure? What are its strengths and limitations?
Good practices in data visualization: tables, charts, dashboards, etc.
How to present evidence clearly to different audiences

The evolving information landscape

How non-traditional news sources have been amplified through social media and other platforms
Understanding misinformation, misinterpretation and out-of-context data
Importance of statistical literacy for both communicators and audiences

Using data as a tool for effective central bank communications

Putting the audience at the centre by designing statistical communications that are 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

Overview of the Bank of Portugal’s approach
Case study 1: StatFlix
Case study 2: Money Masters
Case study 3: The Secret of Numbers

Workshop: Designing your own data communications strategy
Participants will reflect on how their central bank could use data to communicate more effectively with a specific audience. Using a simple planning framework, they will identify the audience they would like to reach, consider its information needs, select the types of data or statistical information that could be most useful, and choose an appropriate communication format and channel. Participants will also identify the main practical, institutional and communication barriers that could affect the initiative, consider how these might be addressed, and reflect on what success would look like. Selected ideas and common challenges will be discussed in a facilitator-led reflection.

Learning objectives

Explain why data quality matters for both decision-making and communication
Assess whether data are suitable for communication and identify the context and limitations that audiences need
Translate statistical evidence into clear, relevant and audience-focused messages
Recognise how statistical information can be misunderstood, decontextualised or amplified in the current information environment
Choose appropriate communication formats and channels for different audiences and objectives
Identify transferable lessons from the Bank of Portugal’s data and financial literacy initiatives
Develop a concise, audience-centred communication plan for a real central bank challenge