Last week, I proposed a way of thinking about the different layers of data governance. I asked for feedback and you did not disappoint. So I’ve updated the layers in the visual below:

While it is not meant to be sequential (top down), I understand that it can be viewed that way. And while each layer is the same size, time and time again I am learning the critical importance of being clear on the purpose.

The importance of agreed standards can not be emphasised enough. And not just standards about the technology. Agreed ways of working ‘outside’ or ‘around’ the technology is critical. For example, in discussions this week about deduplication models (see Model 1, 2, 3, 4) one of the critical standards identified is ‘what happens once a duplicate is found?’

You can start with any layer you want, but you need to talk about all six eventually. You can’t ignore a layer. My hope is that talking about the six layers we tease out different aspects of the power dynamics at play. And yes, this framework works nicely with my Courageous Change framework as well.

Photo by Tim Trad