What Qualities Should a Data Steward Have?

The increasing prevalence of information/data governance structures within organisations is breeding a new function. The role of the Business Data Steward is frequently being defined by an information governance methodology but it needn’t be so. Even low key data governance or master data management (MDM) initiatives require the same Stewardship tasks and accountabilities to be performed.

What does the Business Data Steward do?

A Business Data Steward formalizes the accountability in an end user department for data ownership within the context of the wider business and policy framework.

What Qualities Should a Data Steward Have?

• Departmental knowledge: Deep knowledge of the operational area they are responsible for, including understanding processes, rules and requirements. As well as functional understanding, a knowledge of the data flows and data sources will be important.

• Communication skills: The ability to interpret and communicate policy or business rules to end users. At the same time being able to work with the technology and policy owners to ensure ideas are fed back.

• Collaboration skills: Working with other Data Stewards and stakeholders across the organisation to ensure data flows smoothly around the organisation.

Given the deep understanding of the functional area and data flows, Data Steward roles are generally going to be filled by someone who has been in post for some time. In reality, they will have a day job, Data Stewardship will be a part-time incremental task. It will be suited to someone with the enthusiasm for improving the business and commands the respect of users. In many ways it is a classic matrix management role.

What are the responsibilities of a Business Data Steward?

• Ensuring data quality, data definition and privacy standards are met.

• Ensuring that data is fit for purpose (including completeness, accuracy and integrity).

• Managing metadata and processes to ensure proper use of data being read, created, collected, reported, updated or deleted.

• Ensuring data is protected and security procedures are enforced.

• Take an active part in the data governance framework to feedback on existing practise and recommend improvements.

What training is needed to be a Business Data Steward?

There is very little formal training available for Business Data Stewards. At Datavault we offer a one-day non-technical course outlining the roles and responsibilities with a special emphasis on the new GDPR data protection regulations.