Nov 21, 2024
Nov 28, 2024

From Policy to Practice: Closing the Data Governance Gaps

Our client is a large, member-based organisation serving millions of individuals across New Zealand.

With data at the heart of their operations, the client recognised the importance of robust governance and security measures to ensure their services remain trustworthy and future-ready.

The Challenge

The client was embarking on a digital transformation journey and recognised the critical role of data in achieving their goals. Despite having updated Data Governance and Security policies aligned with best practices, they faced significant challenges:

  • Implementation Concerns: There was uncertainty around how effectively the policies were being implemented across the organisation.
  • Unclear Risks: The client lacked visibility into the gaps in their data governance framework and practices, leaving them unsure of potential risks to the business.
  • Operational Inefficiencies: Without clear processes or tools, compliance was left to individuals, making mistakes and inconsistencies more likely.

Failing to address these issues could have exposed the organisation to data quality challenges, security breaches, and reputational risks, jeopardising their digital transformation goals.

Our Approach

  1. Reviewing Existing Policies: A detailed assessment of the client’s governance, data security, and privacy policies was conducted to uncover gaps and pinpoint areas for improvement.
  2. Evaluating Processes and Tools: Using the policies as a benchmark, we reviewed the organisation’s data handling practices, identifying critical gaps and assessing their current state.
  3. Developing an Enablement Plan: A checklist of controls and processes was created to ensure compliance with the policies. This plan was designed to be seamlessly embedded into the client’s daily workflows.
  4. Collaborating on Implementation: We worked closely with key stakeholders to create practical solutions, including guidelines, templates, and training materials. This ensured the new processes were easy to adopt and scalable for future needs.

The Outcome

Our approach delivered a robust and practical framework for embedding data governance into the organisation’s operations. The client gained clear visibility into gaps in their existing framework and implemented actionable steps to address them. With compliance now integrated into everyday workflows, the organisation is well-positioned to support its digital transformation confidently, minimise risks, and maintain data quality.

Key Client Benefits

Enhanced Compliance

Clear processes and checks allowed the client to monitor and demonstrate compliance with their policies, reducing risks effectively.

Consistent Processes

With guidelines, templates, and training in place, the organisation no longer relied on individuals, ensuring a unified approach to compliance.

Increased Security

Improved processes reduced the likelihood of data security breaches, strengthening the client’s overall risk posture.

Scalable Framework

The checklist and enablement plan provided a scalable foundation, ensuring the client’s data governance framework could adapt as the organisation grew.