Communities of Practice (CoP)

Community of Practices (CoP) are learning forums where members teach and learn from each other and, irrespective of their position, regard each other as fellow practitioners, teachers, colleagues and sources of knowledge. Members have a desire to learn from and contribute to the Community with their variety of experiences and develop and share training materials and resources for collective benefit.

Membership is open all members of the NSS, and the wider ISS.  If you are interested in becoming a member of a Community of Practice please contact stat_training@cso.ie

R Users Network (RUN)

Composition

The group includes more than 100 members across 12 organisations of the civil and public service.

Objective

The R Users Network is a community established to share knowledge, news and best practice across the Irish Statistical System regarding the use of R software for data analytics.

Deliverables

Key deliverables include:

  • Bimonthly thematic meetings are held with members showcasing relevant projects, discussing updates and developments
  • Subgroups collaborate to produce training materials and resources

Community of Practice on Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Composition

The group currently has 78 members from 13 public bodies.

Objective

This group has been established to build knowledge and share awareness of Geographical Information Systems skills across the Irish Statistical System.

Deliverables

Key deliverables include:

  • Share experiences of Geographical Information Systems, including successes and challenges
  • Discuss GIS methodologies, tools, techniques and other developments
  • Explore the development of suitable training resources, to include documents, training videos, useful links and information
  • Gather information on training sources and materials and provide recommendations

Community of Practice on Weighting and Calibration

Composition

The group currently has 19 members in the Central Statistics Office.

Objectives

The Weighting & Calibration Community of Practice was established as a platform to collaborate, share knowledge, promote innovation and offer solutions for problems, to benefit both the members and the wider Office community. The Community of Practice will also serve as a means of sustaining knowledge; members can remain part of the community even when after they have moved roles.

Deliverables

Key deliverables include:

  • Members to complete training to an Intermediate level on Weighting & Calibration
  • Create a pool of resources to include documents, training videos, useful links and information
  • Provide a forum for members/non-members to seek support & expertise
  • Deliver information sessions to the office