Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience. This page was put together with the help of resources provided by the DAB team and their learning pathway.

• Awareness: Show an awareness of the need to translate technical concepts into non-technical language, and understand what communication is required with internal and external stakeholders.
• Working: Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Support and host discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics. Be an advocate for the team externally, and manage differing perspectives.
• Practitioner: Listen to the needs of technical and business stakeholders, and interpret them. Effectively manage stakeholder expectations. Manage active and reactive communication. Support or host difficult discussions within the team or with diverse senior stakeholders.
• Expert: Mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels; manage stakeholder expectations and moderate discussions about high risk and complexity, even within constrained timescales; speak on behalf of and represent the community to large audiences inside and outside of government.

On this page we address the following methods of communication:

• Requirements gathering and managing stakeholders - see also the Agile subsection of the Problem resolution (data)
• Presenting - including in reports, posters, and not just PowerPoints
• Leadership and line management - including ONS specific training, see also civil service behaviours

General resources

For line management and leadership training have a look at the line management and leadership hub on the Learning Academy. The hub contains training applicable to all colleagues at all grades who do or will manage others.

Learning Hub: Creating a Presentation

Learning Hub: House style at ONS

Learning Hub: Writing for the Web

Awareness

At awareness level you can show an awareness of the need to translate technical concepts into non-technical language and understand what communication is required with internal and external stakeholders.

Percipio - Effective Stakeholder Communications for Technology Professionals