A practical guide to doing data governance without getting overwhelmed
By Nicola Askham, The Data Governance Coach
Published by Kogan Page, 2026
Data governance doesn’t have to be complicated
I’ve spent many years helping organisations understand what data governance really means and, more importantly, how to make it work in practice.
One thing I’ve learned time and time again is that data governance doesn’t fail because organisations don’t care about their data. It usually fails because the approach feels too complicated, too theoretical, or too difficult to apply alongside the day-to-day demands of running a business.
That’s why I wrote Effective Data Governance.
This book is about taking a practical approach. It’s not about creating huge frameworks, producing endless documentation, or trying to govern every piece of data from day one. Instead, I’ll show you how to build a data governance capability that works for your organisation, at a pace that makes sense for you.
Drawing on my experience working with organisations across industries including insurance and manufacturing, I share the approaches that work, the mistakes I’ve seen organisations make, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What’s inside
The book follows the same practical approach I use when helping organisations build their data governance capabilities.
You’ll start by preparing — understanding what data governance means for your organisation, building your business case, and creating a roadmap that gives you direction.
You’ll then move into designing your approach, including your framework, policies, and processes. The focus is on creating something that fits your organisation rather than simply taking a generic template and trying to make it work.
From there, you’ll learn how to implement your plans, turning your approach into practical deliverables such as data glossaries, data quality rules, lineage, and clear roles and responsibilities.
Finally, you’ll look at how to evolve your approach over time, measuring progress and adapting as your organisation changes.
Throughout the book, I share real examples, case studies, and practical guidance that you can take away and apply immediately.
Who is this book for?
Whether you’re just starting your data governance journey, trying to restart an initiative that has stalled, or feeling overwhelmed by everything you think you need to do, this book will help you focus on what really matters.
You don’t need to govern everything at once. The most successful organisations I work with start by understanding their priorities, identifying their most important data, and building from there.
About me
I’m Nicola Askham, a data governance consultant, trainer, and coach, also known as The Data Governance Coach.
I’ve spent my career helping organisations understand, manage, and use their data more effectively. From insurance organisations working through Solvency II requirements to businesses across a range of industries, I’ve seen what makes data governance successful — and what gets in the way.
Effective Data Governance brings together the practical lessons I’ve learned from years of consulting. It’s designed to help real organisations solve real data governance challenges without unnecessary complexity.
Get your copy
Buy the book HERE
