Data & AI Training
Ownership and Stewardship
Clarifying accountability by defining Data Owners, Stewards and Custodians in a way that actually works day to day.
Overview
Unclear ownership is one of the biggest causes of poor data quality, slow decisions and governance gridlock. This session focuses on the people side of governance, defining who is accountable for data, what that accountability really means, and how ownership works across domains, systems and processes.
Rather than abstract role definitions, this course focuses on practical ownership models that align with how organisations actually operate.
Who it is for
- Executives accountable for data outcomes but unsure where ownership sits.
- Data Owners and Stewards stepping into formal roles.
- Business and operational leaders responsible for data-heavy processes.
- Governance and change leads defining RACI models.
What you will learn
- Clear definitions of Data Owner, Data Steward and Custodian.
- How ownership differs at domain, system and data product levels.
- How to avoid “everyone owns it, so no one owns it”.
- How to embed ownership into governance forums and operating rhythms.
- Practical RACI patterns that scale.
Agenda
- Why ownership breaks down in practice.
- Defining ownership vs accountability vs responsibility.
- Owner, Steward and Custodian roles in context.
- Ownership across data domains and systems.
- Practical examples and templates.
- Q&A and role-mapping discussion.
Delivery and format
Delivered as a 1 hour interactive virtual session, with options to extend into a 2 hour role mapping workshop.
- Format: Live virtual or on site.
- Group size: Up to 25 participants recommended.
- Optional: Follow-up roadmap working session with your leadership team.
Next steps
This course is commonly followed by: DG3 · Data Forums & Communication and DG6 · Issues Management.