The hunt for Data Governance budget

I’m a big fan of Data Governance. It covers the set of foundational activities that enable you to trust your data so you can do cool and exciting (and lucrative) things with it whilst staying out of jail.

Many people in the data community feel the same way, which is why they find it all the more troubling that they can’t gain engagement to fund their data governance activities.

So don’t.

Here are three things to do instead:

Wrap Data Governance up within a broader project

Even the AI enthusiasts are making it clear that AI relies on data, and the data has to be good enough to use. So the first set of activities in your AI enablement is to get your data to a trustworthy level. Which means understanding what you need, where it is, and how good it is.

Align with Risk Management

I did a webinar on this last week and you can access the recording here.

Your risk lead (they may be hiding in Operations, Legal or Compliance) has to manage an array of risks that could impact the organisation. Check in with them that data risks are in their thoughts, and come armed with some examples.

Self-start with an MVP

You don’t need a lot of resource to start with Data Governance, other than your time. Consider if you can build out a basic DG Framework in support of a specific project, dashboard or activity - which you can build up over time. You may find it easier to get investment to grow an activity which is already demonstrably adding value.

I can help you

All the activities described above can be done today, without requiring any significant investment in resources, other than your time and commitment. If you go ahead with some or all of these steps, I’d love to hear about how you got on. 

But I know that you may be in an organisation which has its own specific quirks; or you work with people who can be really challenging to engage. Perhaps you simply have no time to get on with this, due to all your other commitments and deadlines.

For that reason, dataZED is available to help you on that journey – from an initial call to help you clarify your actions; to providing more tailored guidance; all the way to coming into your organisation and delivering it for you – together with coaching and support so you can carry on the good work.

I really want to see people succeed in data, and it would be my privilege to be able to help you do so.

Have a wonderful week,
Charles