Communicating uncertainty in an uncertain age with Sir David Spiegelhalter

Sir David Spiegelhalter explains how to understand, explain and live with uncertainty in an age of data overload, risk and misinformationCommunicating uncertainty in an uncertain ageSir David SpiegelhalterUncertainty is everywhere – in data, models, forecasts and public debate. Yet communicating uncertainty clearly and responsibly has never been more important.In this flagship AiG Month session, Sir David Spiegelhalter explores how we can better communicate uncertainty in an uncertain age. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of statistics, risk and public understanding, he will reflect on why uncertainty is often misunderstood, misrepresented or ignored – and what analysts can do differently.Through real‑world examples, the session will challenge common assumptions about certainty, confidence and precision, and offer practical insights into how analysts can communicate evidence, risk and uncertainty in ways that inform, not confuse, decision makers and the public.About the presenterSir David Spiegelhalter is a statistician and author, and one of the UK’s leading voices on risk, evidence and uncertainty. He is widely recognised for his work on improving public understanding of statistics and data driven decision making. Sir David is a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, and is currently Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication. Sir David is an ISI highly cited researcher. He joined the board of the UK Statistics Authority in 2020 as a non-executive director for a period of three years, a term which was extended through to 2026.Who should attend?This session is ideal for:Analysts who communicate evidence, risk or forecastsPolicy professionals working with uncertain or incomplete dataLeaders and decision makers relying on analytical adviceAnyone interested in improving how uncertainty is explained and understoodWhat you could learn in this sessionWhy uncertainty is so difficult to communicate effectivelyCommon pitfalls in explaining risk and evidenceHow to talk about uncertainty without undermining trustHow better communication improves decision makingPractical principles for communicating uncertainty clearly and honestlySecure your space today!About AiG Month (1-31 May 2026)Analysis in Government Month (AiG Month) is the UK's largest learning and development event for government analystsThe Analysis Function has around 17,000 members working across analysis professions and government departmentsThis event is part of Analysis in Government (AiG) Month, brought to you by the Analysis FunctionEvery government analyst is considered to be a member of the Analysis Function. Our members include actuaries, digital and data analysts, data scientists, economists, geographers, operational researchers, social researchers, stastisticians, dual badged, and unaffiliated analystsFind out more about AiG Month 2026 on our AiG Month HubSign up for the monthly AF NewsletterJoin us on new AF BasecampFollow us here on Eventbrite to be the first to find out about other events as they go liveFollow us on LinkedIn and X @gov_analysis