In the second episode of Season Six of The Data Malarkey Podcast, host Sam Knowles engages in a conversation with Mike Ellicock, CEO of Plain Numbers. The discussion centres on the challenges many individuals face in understanding numerical information and how organisations can improve the clarity of their numerical communications.
The numeracy challenge
Ellicock highlights a concerning statistic: approximately half of UK adults possess numeracy skills at or below the level expected of a primary school child. This deficiency significantly impacts their ability to comprehend numerical information presented by various organisations, from banks to utility companies. Furthermore, about 20% of adults experience ‘maths anxiety’, a condition that exacerbates difficulties in engaging with numbers.
The mission of Plain Numbers
Founded by Ellicock, Plain Numbers aims to address these challenges by enabling clear communication of numerical information. Their goal is to ensure that individuals can better understand the choices they face in life, thereby making informed decisions. The organisation collaborates with a diverse range of entities, including financial institutions, insurers, utility companies, and governmental bodies, to enhance the clarity, fairness, and transparency of their numerical communications.
Approach and methodology
Plain Numbers employs a comprehensive approach to improve numerical communication:
- Training and assessment: They provide training programmes that equip individuals and teams with the skills necessary to communicate numbers effectively. This includes assessing current practices and identifying areas for improvement.
- Accreditation: Organisations that demonstrate a commitment to clear numerical communication can receive accreditation from Plain Numbers, signalling their dedication to transparency and customer understanding.
- Strategic engagement: Beyond practical training, Plain Numbers engages with senior decision-makers, including government ministers, to advocate for systemic changes that promote better numerical understanding across society.
Alignment with regulatory standards
The efforts of Plain Numbers align with regulatory initiatives such as the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty. This framework sets high standards for consumer protection in financial services, requiring firms to prioritise their customers’ needs. By enhancing the clarity of numerical information, organisations can better meet these regulatory expectations and improve customer trust.
Ellicock’s background and achievements
Before establishing Plain Numbers, Ellicock served as the Chief Executive of the charity National Numeracy throughout the 2010s. In this role, he focused on improving numeracy skills across the UK. Prior to that, he led Numicon, an innovative, multi-sensory approach to teaching mathematics at the primary school level, which was later acquired by Oxford University Press.
Ellicock’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavours. In 2015, he set a world record by running a marathon with a 20-pound backpack in 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 39 seconds – a record that still stands. Looking ahead, he plans to row around the British Isles in under 40 days, exemplifying his dedication to challenging pursuits.
Conclusion
The conversation between Sam Knowles and Mike Ellicock sheds light on the critical importance of clear numerical communication. With a significant portion of the population struggling with numeracy, initiatives like Plain Numbers play a vital role in bridging the comprehension gap. By collaborating with organisations to present numbers in a clear, fair, and transparent manner, they empower individuals to make informed decisions, ultimately fostering greater trust and engagement between organisations and the public.
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This blog was created using ChatGPT.
