A recent article offers practical advice for structuring a successful data governance program. The article begins, “A three level model like this can work well at a lot of companies: (1) Data Governance Steering Committee: a cross-functional, executive level group that makes policy decisions, provides funding, resolves escalated issues, and provides strategic direction. (2) The Data Governance Office (DGO) is charged with coordinating data governance (strategic) and stewardship
(tactical) activities. It manages communications from the Steering Committee to all stakeholders. (3) One or more tactical groups (Data Stewardship Teams) in each functional area and geography (if needed), which provide guidance to individuals with data stewardship responsibilities.”
The article continues with a description of each level, starting with the steering committee: “The Data Governance Steering Committee serves a function similar to the U.S. Supreme Court. Issues escalated by the Data Governance Office are resolved by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee probably won’t directly make much policy (except on an exception basis), except where the issues are serious or the dollar amounts are large. For example, where a new policy may be compliance-related and involve large penalties, the Steering Committee would at least review (and probably sign-off on) the new policy.”
photo credit: HUB