Data Governance Health Checklist and Framework

This document is a checklist designed to assist organizations in evaluating the maturity and effectiveness of their data governance programs. It addresses common challenges such as unclear data practices, fragmented ownership, and inconsistent policies that can lead to regulatory penalties and operational inefficiencies. The checklist outlines key areas for assessment, including strategy and accountability, data discovery, classification and lifecycle management, data protection and privacy, and governance framework and operating model. Each section provides specific questions that organizations should consider to identify gaps in their governance practices. The document emphasizes the importance of having a clear data strategy, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and maintaining up-to-date policies. Additionally, it highlights the need for organizations to track governance performance metrics and continuously improve their governance posture. By following this checklist, organizations can enhance their data governance frameworks and mitigate risks associated with data management.