Begin with Data Governance

Building a Data Governance foundation should be the first step for any organisation wanting to get the most from their data. It defines the rules and behaviours that an organisation expects its staff to follow when using data.

Implementing a Data Governance framework will establish a foundation for effective and consistent decision-making about data, by creating a well-defined strategy, concise policies, roles, responsibilities, and ongoing oversight.

Starting with a Strategy

Data Governance begins with Leadership committing to enhancing an organisation's data maturity through a ‘Data Strategy’. The strategy is tailored to the organisation and defines how data will support and add value,

A Data Strategy outlines the organisation’s data management plan.  A good Data Strategy will include:

·       A vision or mission for managing data,

·       Goals and actions for various data control areas,

·       Clear roles and responsibilities, and

·       A roadmap for implementation.

The Data Strategy’s purpose is to show that Leadership is aligned on a data management plan, and has committed to achieving goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable.

Enable Your Team to Execute the Strategy

Leadership alone cannot deliver the strategy; it must engage the entire organisation by aligning strategic goals with necessary staff behaviours. Establishing policies that outline the principles and rules that support the Data Strategy is an effective method of achieving this.

These principles are generally too detailed for a strategy document, so are grouped into Policies drafted around a theme. For instance, a 'Data Quality & Integrity' policy might mandate principles such as:

·       Regular data validation checks to give assurance to data users,

·       Training materials and support for data entry tasks to reduce manual entry errors, and

·       Processes and responsibilities for identifying and correcting inaccurate data.

After establishing a policy, the next step is to develop standards and procedures to embed the policy into day-to-day operations. Many organisations already have operational procedures for various activities, and data policy principles can be integrated into these guidelines.

For instance, a 'Data Access & Sharing' policy might include guidelines on the data classification, handling, sharing, and disposal by users. These principles could be incorporated into existing data entry processes such as customer account creation by sales staff.

Summary

A Data Governance framework provides control through goal setting and cascading guidance, moving from high-level leadership vision to specific guidance for operational tasks.

Effective policies, procedures and standards are well communicated, supported by management, regularly reviewed, and ultimately enforced like any other business rules.

Once established, a Data Governance framework provides the foundation for the organisation’s data management activities. The benefits are many, including supporting discussions on investments in digital platforms, conversations about the organisation’s data risk appetite, focusing on data ethics, privacy obligations, and the application of AI.