INTRODUCTION

In the first part of our series on Data Governance, we looked into what is data governance, why we need it and what are the future trends. 

In part 2, we will discuss Data Governance frameworks as well as people and processes needed to implement data governance within an organisation. 

DATA GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Data Governance is not a software that an organisation can buy from a software vendor. It is a set processes and culture that it instils in all employees and all aspects of data management 

And begins with a data governance framework. 

The framework defines on how data is obtained, stored, and used, who gets access to the data and who sets the rules. 

Source: Eckerson Data Governance Framework

A framework consists of: 

1. Goals: Goals define the purpose of data governance. It aligns the business goals with that of data governance and determines the value it delivers. 
2. Methods: Methods set the policies and guides needed achieve the goals. They also include a code of conduct to provide guidance as well as training to help employees understand and comply with data governance policies. 
3. People: Buy-in from employees is critical for successful implementation of data governance. Various stakeholders are needed to implement data governance withing the organisation. These include sponsors, owners, stewards, curators, coaches, and consumers. 
4. Processes: Processes are coordinated steps taken to achieve specific outcomes. 
5. Technology: Technology helps organisations in day-to-day compliance with data governance, by automating key steps in the data lifecycle.  
6. Culture: Culture sets the foundation for an environment that is conducive for data governance and ensures various stakeholders and functions can work together without dispute. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Data governance requires key people and committees to be appointed to oversee.  

Executive Sponsor 

• A senior authority who coordinates data governance activities between the high-ranking stakeholders and the data governance lead or council. 
• They are responsible for securing funding for the data governance program and creating the position of the data governance program lead and the data governance council 

Data Governance Lead 

• This is either the CIO/CTO tasked with additional roles/responsibilities or a dedicated Chief Data Officer (CDO) 
• They define the data governance policies and support the multiple data domains  

Data Governance Council 

• The governing body which provides the strategic guidance to the data governance initiatives and establishes the cross-functional data policies and standards. 

Data Owner 

• Data Owner owns and aligns the data products or assets of the organisation with its business goals. 
• They combine their expertise in the functional domain with their deep knowledge of the regulations and laws governing data privacy. 

Data Steward 

• Data Stewards reports to the Data Owner and manages the day-to-day responsibility of the data products 
• Like the Data Owner, the Data Steward understands the data, the business needs, and the rules that govern data. 

Data Stakeholder 

• Data Stakeholder refers to any individual or group that either impacts or is impacted by data governance decisions and policies. 

Data Custodian 

• Data Custodian collaborates with Data Stewards and Data Stakeholders to ensure that data is secure, confidential, accurate, accessible, and usable. 

In part 3, we will discuss Data Governance Operating models and applications.