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Data & AI Training

Metadata Management

Making data understandable, discoverable and trusted through practical metadata, not documentation theatre.

Code: DG4 Track: Data Governance Length: 1 hour (other formats available) Level: Advanced
Delivered with

Overview

Metadata is often treated as an abstract technical concern or something only needed once a tool is implemented. In reality, metadata is the foundation that allows people to understand what data means, where it comes from, how it is used and whether it can be trusted.

This session demystifies metadata management and explains the practical role of business glossaries, data dictionaries, lineage and catalogues. The focus is on business understanding and operational use, not technology-first implementations. Participants learn how metadata supports governance, quality and decision-making, and how to approach it pragmatically without trying to boil the ocean.

Who it is for

  • Data Owners and Stewards responsible for data clarity and consistency.
  • Governance leads defining standards and artefacts.
  • Business analysts, architects and data engineers working across domains.
  • Organisations preparing for or already using a data catalogue or governance tool.

What you will learn

  • What metadata really is and why it matters to the business.
  • The difference between business glossaries, data dictionaries and technical metadata.
  • How metadata supports governance, quality and compliance.
  • What “good enough” metadata looks like at different stages of maturity.
  • Common metadata anti-patterns that stall adoption.
  • How to prioritise metadata efforts for maximum value.

Agenda

  • Why metadata initiatives fail.
  • Defining metadata in business terms.
  • Glossaries vs dictionaries vs catalogues.
  • Lineage: what it is, what it isn’t, and when it matters.
  • Ownership and stewardship of metadata.
  • Aligning metadata to the 8-Gate Framework.
  • Practical examples and discussion.

Delivery and format

Delivered as a 1 hour interactive virtual session. Can be extended into a working session to define metadata scope, ownership and initial artefacts.

  • 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 paired with: DG5 · Policies & Standards, HIT1 · Tool Scoping & Vendor Selection and HIT3 · Populating the Tool