In an era defined by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change, the ability to generate high-quality evidence is no longer sufficient. What matters just as much, if not more, is the ability to communicate that evidence effectively to those who shape policy. Across the world, governments, trade unions, employers’ organizations, and international agencies are being called upon to respond quickly to interconnected challenges: inequality, informality, the climate crisis, disruptive technologies, the platform economy, demographic transitions, and political instability. The stakes are high, and the demand for solutions is urgent.

Yet despite the availability of research and data, the translation of that evidence into clear, persuasive, and timely messages remains a persistent bottleneck in policy processes. Policymakers often lack the time or technical capacity to engage with dense research outputs, and even the most robust evidence can be ignored if it is not communicated in a way that resonates with decision-makers' concerns, language, and political priorities.

This gap between evidence and action is not a technical failure, it is a communication challenge. Storytelling bridges that gap.

Compelling storytelling does not mean simplifying or manipulating evidence. It means organizing facts into meaningful narratives that clarify relevance, trigger empathy, and motivate action. In the context of the ILO's tripartite model, where dialogue between governments, workers, and employers is central to shaping labour and social policies, the capacity to tell effective stories using data becomes even more critical.

This course responds directly to the needs expressed by ILO constituents. That evaluation underscored the need to strengthen the "last mile" of evidence use, by helping practitioners and institutions communicate their research more clearly and persuasively to drive meaningful policy dialogue and reform. By equipping participants with storytelling tools and strategies grounded in behavioural science, communication theory, and practical policy experience, this course enables a more human-centred and impactful use of evidence, at the service of social justice and inclusive policymaking.

Storytelling for Research and Policy is an interactive, online training course designed to help professionals bridge the gap between evidence and policy. Grounded in real-world policy processes and informed by cutting-edge communication strategies, the course equips participants with the tools and techniques to transform complex research findings into compelling, credible, and actionable stories that resonate with policymakers, social partners, and the wider public.

Delivered over four weeks, the course combines live virtual sessions, practical exercises, self-paced learning, and peer exchange. Participants will gain hands-on experience in narrative framing, visualisation techniques, policy brief writing, and behavioural insights, skills that enhance the uptake of evidence in labour market and social policy debates.

This course is part of the broader Evidence-Based Policymaking (EBPM) training programme led by the ILO Research Department and ITCILO. It responds to a critical findings: while the ILO has successfully built research capacities among constituents, communication remains a weak link in the evidence-to-impact chain. This course directly addresses that gap.

Whether you are a government official drafting policy proposals, a trade unionist advocating for workers' rights, or an employers' representative influencing regulation, this course will help you tell better stories with your data, stories that get heard, shape debate, and support decent work outcomes.

• Policymakers, government officials, and representatives from ministries in the fields of labour, employment, and the broader world of work.
• ILO and UN staff and development practitioners and consultants
• Representatives of Trade Unions and employers’ organisations
• Public investment, employment and labour market policy advisers
• Policy analysts working for national and global think tanks, financial institutions, research departments and foundations
• Individuals interested in or actively contributing to the provision of information, analysis, and recommendations crucial for policymaking and advocacy.

This course will be delivered online and divided into six content modules, each accompanied by follow-up activities and assignments. It requires an overall commitment of 60 hours of active study/participation.

During the training, each of the 6 learning modules of the course has a fixed structure and includes the following components:

1. Online, with the group and ILO trainer and/or invited speakers (session of 120 min).
2. Individual self-learning, activities and assignments, as well as group activities.
3. Forum discussions, self-facilitated or facilitated by the ILO and ITCILO trainers.

The course is structured around six thematic modules, each designed to progressively build participants’ confidence and capacity in storytelling for policymaking.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Communicate evidence clearly and confidently

• Translate complex research findings into accessible, policy‑relevant language.
• Explain data insights to non‑technical audiences without oversimplifying.
• Present evidence in ways that are compelling, structured, and easy to follow.

Build persuasive narratives using data

• Construct stories that connect evidence to people, problems, and policy solutions.
• Apply narrative frameworks to show why the evidence matters and what it means.
• Use behavioural insights to design messages that resonate with policymakers.

Tailor messages to specific audiences

• Identify the needs, priorities, and constraints of policymakers, social partners, and the public.
• Adapt tone, framing, and examples to maximize relevance and impact.
• Anticipate questions, objections, and competing narratives.

Use data visualisation effectively

• Choose the right visual tools to communicate trends, comparisons, or causal links.
• Design charts, graphs, and diagrams that reinforce rather than distract from the message.
• Avoid common visualisation mistakes that undermine credibility.

Develop high‑quality communication products

• Draft concise and persuasive policy briefs anchored in evidence.
• Craft powerful opening lines, key messages, and calls to action.
• Deliver short, convincing oral “evidence pitches” in policy discussions.

Engage strategically in the politics of policymaking

• Understand how evidence is used (and sometimes misused) in decision-making.
• Build trust and legitimacy by communicating transparently and ethically.
• Use storytelling to support social dialogue, negotiation, and consensus‑building.

Strengthen long‑term communication capacity

• Apply storytelling techniques to future research, advocacy, and policy work.
• Incorporate evidence storytelling into institutional communication strategies.
• Contribute to a culture of evidence‑informed policymaking within your organization.

This course empowers participants not just to share data, but to shape meaning, build trust, and influence decisions, turning evidence into action for decent work and social justice.

At the end of the course, in order to evaluate the knowledge and skills learnt, participants will be required to submit an individual policy brief for review by the ILO/ITCILO specialists and trainers. Upon successful completion of this assignment, participants will receive an ITCILO Certificate of Achievement.

This course is part of the Diploma in Evidence-Based Public Policy, launched jointly by the ILO Research Department and the ITCILO’s Employment Policy and Analysis Programme.