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Communication
Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience.
- 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.
The table below shows which skill level each grade should be working at within three to six months of starting a new role.
| Grade | Trainee Data Scientist (EO) | Associate Data Scientist (HEO) | Data Scientist (SEO) | Senior Data Scientist (G7) | Lead Data Scientist (G6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skill level | Awareness | Working | Practitioner | Expert | Expert |
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
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. See also the SharePoint: Leadership and Management of Change Toolkit.
Civil Service Learning: Planning and Implementing Change
There are a lot of techniques in the line management tools that can be used to talk to stakeholders as well. Such as:
- how to have difficult conversations,
- active listening,
- conflict resolution,
- alignment and getting buy-in,
- emotional intelligence,
- showing impact.
Learning Hub: Creating a Presentation
Learning Hub: House style at ONS
Learning Hub: Writing for the Web
Making content accessible slide deck
This YouTube Chanel - The Project Management Guide has lots of short videos (<10min) on how to communicate different things to different stakeholders.