Starting the new year with clarity and control
The start of a new year is the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and put strong foundations in placeโand data governance should be high on that list. As organisations plan new initiatives, adopt new technologies, and set ambitious goals, the quality and control of their data will quietly determine how successful those plans become. Without clear ownership, rules, and accountability, data quickly becomes inconsistent, risky, and unreliable. Good data governance is not about bureaucracy; it is about enabling better decisions with confidence. By defining who owns data, how it should be handled, and how quality is maintained, organisations reduce risk while increasing trust in their information. Starting the year with a clear governance framework helps ensure that growth, innovation, and compliance move forward together instead of competing with one another. Questions to reflect on: 1. Do we clearly know who is responsible for our most critical data sets? 2. What data risks could be reduced this year with clearer rules and ownership? Action for today: Identify one key data set in your organisation and write down who owns it, how it is used, and what โgood qualityโ looks like for that data.