The three roles
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Data owner | Answers for the data being reliable. Sets the acceptable level and decides what to do when it is not met. |
| Data steward | Applies the rules day to day, reviews the metrics and flags problems. |
| Technical team | Maintains the systems, automates checks and fixes issues at source. |
Why IT alone is not enough
The technical team knows how data is stored, but not always which value is correct for the business. Whoever understands what the data means (finance, sales, HR) must answer for it. If everything falls on technology, errors are fixed late and come back.
In a small organisation
You do not need to create new positions. One person can be both owner and steward for their area's data. What matters is that every critical data element has a name and that it is written in an accessible document. See how to split it in the guide to data governance roles.
How to start
- List the ten data elements that matter most.
- Assign each one a business owner.
- Define a metric and a threshold, as in which metrics to use.
- Review results every month in a short meeting.
Quick answers
What is a data owner?
The business person who answers for data being reliable: sets the acceptable level and decides what to do when it is not met.
What does a data steward do?
Applies data quality rules day to day, reviews the metrics and reports problems to the owners.
Can the IT team handle it alone?
It is not advisable. Technology maintains the systems, but the meaning and acceptable level of data is defined by the business area that uses it.