Data Governance Policy (Enterprise Technology)

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1. Purpose

This policy establishes the data governance framework for enterprise technology systems at [Company Name], ensuring data is managed as a strategic asset across its lifecycle.

2. Scope

Applies to all structured and unstructured data held in [Company Name]'s enterprise systems, including [Key Systems — e.g. ERP, CRM, HRIS, finance, collaboration platforms].

3. Governance roles

Data Governance Lead: [Data Governance Officer] — chairs the Data Governance Forum.

Data Owners: accountable executives for each domain (Customer, Employee, Finance, Product, Supplier).

Data Stewards: [Data Steward] and domain-specific stewards — operational responsibility for data quality and metadata.

Data Custodians: the [IT Team] — operate the systems holding the data.

4. Principles

[Company Name] adopts the following data governance principles:

Data has a named owner.

Data is classified before it is shared.

Data quality is measured, not assumed.

Master data has a single golden source.

Privacy and security are designed in, not bolted on.

5. Data classification

All enterprise data is classified into one of four tiers: Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted. Handling rules per tier are defined in the Data Classification Standard.

6. Master and reference data

Each master data domain has a designated golden source. Changes to master data follow a documented change-control process owned by the Data Steward.

7. Data quality

Data quality is measured against the six DAMA dimensions (completeness, uniqueness, validity, accuracy, consistency, timeliness). Domain-level KPIs are reviewed quarterly at the Data Governance Forum.

8. Metadata

Business and technical metadata are maintained in [Metadata Tool / Catalogue]. Critical data elements are tagged with owner, steward, classification and retention.

9. Compliance with related policies

This policy operates alongside, and does not override, the [Company Name] Information Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Retention Schedule.

10. Review

Reviewed at least annually by the Data Governance Forum.

Approved by: [Company Owner] Effective date: [Effective Date] Next review: [Review Date]