This checklist outlines the best practice elements of an effective data governance program for NSW Government agencies. It is not exhaustive or mandatory.
Strategy and planning
See Module 4
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The data governance program is tailored to the agency’s specific business needs and strategic objectives, and has buy-in from key functions across the organisation
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An enterprise-wide data maturity assessment has been undertaken to identify the core data-related issues that need to be addressed to support desired business outcomes
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The data governance program is focused on solving a specific business problem and focus areas for the data governance program have been identified and prioritised according to their business value
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The strategy for data governance, as well as the outcomes of data governance initiatives, is frequently communicated to staff to ensure the vision is shared, accepted and sustained
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Metrics have been developed to assess whether the data governance initiatives are helping to achieve desired outcomes
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The data governance program is rolled out incrementally across the organisation
Organisational structures
See Module 5
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A cross-functional senior executive data governance body has been established to oversee data governance decisions and activities across the organisation
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Working groups have been established to drive data governance projects and address specific data issues across the organisation
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The expectations and responsibilities of agency data governance bodies have been agreed to and communicated with staff across the organisation
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Working groups report on a regular basis to the overarching data governance body to ensure bottom-up, as well as top-down, information flows
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A visual representation of the agency’s data governance structure exists that is accessible to all staff
Assigning roles and responsibilities
See Module 6
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Roles and responsibilities have been assigned for all data assets and these responsibilities have been documented in a data catalogue
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Roles are appropriately matched with the responsible person’s skills, expertise and delegation level
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The agency has a data governance framework or organisation policy that specifies who is accountable and responsible for various aspects of the data
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Roles and responsibilities have been adapted to meet the agency’s needs, organisational environment, culture, existing structure, and any limitations
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All data sharing agreements and service arrangements clearly specify data rights across the full data lifecycle
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A visual representation of the agency’s data roles and responsibilities exist that is accessible to staff within the organisation
Leadership
See Module 7
- Senior leadership display strong, explicit and ongoing commitment for data governance
- Senior leadership recognise and address data resource needs and infrastructure requirements to support data governance
- A senior executive decision-making body has been set up and senior leadership participate in decision-making on important opportunities and risk mitigation issues relating to organisational data assets
- Data metrics and goals have been incorporated into organisational plans and reporting
- A member or members of the senior executive (aka Chief Data Officer) has been appointed to lead and champion the organisation’s data governance agenda
Data-driven culture
See Module 8
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A targeted, multi-channel communications plan has been developed and implemented that aligns the agency’s data initiatives with the organisation’s overall objectives
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Staff have access to learning resources and training opportunities to grow their data literacy
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The effectiveness of data governance initiatives is measured and communicated to staff
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Each business unit across the agency has an assigned data leader to champion and engage staff on data governance initiatives
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Performance metrics have been developed and staff that demonstrate data-driven values and behaviours are recognised and rewarded
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A network exists for staff across the organisation to collaborate, lead and advocate for the agency’s data agenda
Workforce skills and capability
See Module 9
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A workforce skills and capabilities needs assessment has been completed
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A workforce strategy has been implemented to address data skills and capability gaps
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Staff have access to professional development opportunities (both face-to-face as well as online training) to build both foundational and specialised data skills
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Teams are either cross-disciplinary or staff with specialised data skills are spread across the organisation and can be leveraged by teams when required
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All staff have access to data governance resources and are aware of, and trained in, relevant data governance policies and procedures
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All role descriptions include the data skills and capabilities that are relevant to the data management activities that staff are expected to undertake
Technology
See Module 10
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A current state technical capabilities and architecture assessment has been completed
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Areas for improvement and automation have been prioritised based on business needs
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Data governance policies and processes and data management workflows are automated (where appropriate)
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Technologies are compliant with privacy and security requirements and ensure the privacy and protection of data
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Implementation of new technologies is accompanied by education, training, documentation and adequate user support
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Technologies are well-integrated into the organisation's business culture and processes, have user buy-in, and support users to perform their roles more effectively and efficiently
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Technologies are monitored and regularly reviewed for improvement
Download Module 12
Last updated 17 Sep 2020