If you've been following me for a while, you already know that I frequently emphasise that Data Governance is an ongoing journey, not a finite project. However, we are implementing a Data Governance framework and juggling numerous activities. It may not be a project, but we do need to plan and track our activities. So, we need to find a solution to planning which takes into account the longevity and flexibility of Data Governance initiatives without being too rigid or detailed.

This is where the trusty Data Governance roadmap comes in. It’s a high-level approach that outlines our activities, priorities and rough timelines without bogging us down in the details.

In this blog, I’ll cover what a Data Governance roadmap is (and isn't), why it's beneficial and how it can keep your Data Governance efforts on track and adaptable.

Firstly, What is a Data Governance Roadmap?

In simple terms, a Data Governance roadmap is a high-level plan which outlines the steps an organisation will take to effectively implement data governance. It lays out the high-level actions, timelines, and priorities needed to implement a Data Governance framework, i.e. it provides an overview of the “big picture”.

Its purpose is to show the overall direction of travel, a high-level idea of what you are going to do and roughly when. They use broad phrases like “identify Data Owners” and “draft data definitions”.

They are useful to you as the Data Governance Manager for planning and tracking your activities, and also to the senior stakeholders and other teams who need the strategic overview of your initiative.

What it isn't

It’s important to mention that a Data Governance roadmap is not a project plan. As mentioned at the start of this blog, Data Governance is not a project, so why would it need a project plan?

A project plan is very detailed, specifying exact tasks by specific dates. This approach is not well-suited to Data Governance, which requires flexibility in its implementation and is deeply rooted in cultural change, meaning progress can only move at the pace your business stakeholders are ready to embrace.

A project plan can also create the false impression that Data Governance is a one-time effort with a definite end date. As you are aware, Data Governance is ongoing and evolves over time. It’s carried out by many business users across your organisation who have their own agendas and priorities. Expecting them to strictly follow a detailed project plan is unrealistic.

So, does this mean we should not have any plan at all? Absolutely not.

Not having a plan would lead to a lack of direction and progress. To avoid this, I recommend using a roadmap, which serves as a high-level plan, but is high enough level to easily adapt and evolve as required.

The Benefits of a Data Governance Roadmap

A roadmap allows us to articulate what we are doing, why we are doing it and roughly when we aim to complete it. For example, we might set a target to complete data discovery and create conceptual data models for five key business functions by the end of June. Following that, we might aim to identify and train data owners by the end of September.

This approach gives us a flexible framework that can be adjusted as we engage with business users and refine our plans. In doing so, we're able to get a general idea of what's to come without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details and deadlines. And this is just one of the benefits of working with a Data Governance roadmap. They can help us in several other ways too, including:

Direction and Structure: It provides a clear sense of direction and structure for the Data Governance initiative, outlining key milestones and goals.
Communication: It serves as a communication tool to share with senior executives and business users, helping them understand the initiative’s objectives and timelines.
Engagement: It can be used to engage business users in agreeing on realistic target dates that align with their other responsibilities and priorities.
Flexibility: It allows for adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances, making it a more practical approach than a rigid project plan.

Your Data Governance Roadmap is a Strategic Planning Tool

A Data Governance roadmap is key to Data Governance success. It is a high-level guide that helps manage the initiative effectively while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of the organisation. This ensures that Data Governance efforts are integrated and aligned with business objectives.

I hope this has clarified the concept and importance of a Data Governance roadmap for you. If you'd like further support with your Data Governance initiative, book a call with me below.

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