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Designing the Operating Model

Designing a governance operating model that fits your organisation, not a textbook.

Code: HBG2 Track: Operating Model Length: 1 hour (other formats available) Level: Foundation
Delivered with

Overview

There is no single “correct” governance operating model. Centralised, federated and hybrid models all have strengths and weaknesses depending on organisational structure, culture and maturity.

This session focuses on how to design a pragmatic governance operating model that aligns to your organisation’s realities. Participants learn how to structure roles, forums, decision rights and the Data Governance Office (DGO) in a way that enables delivery and accountability rather than creating friction.

Who it is for

  • Heads of Data, CDOs and governance leads designing governance structures.
  • Executives accountable for cross-functional data decisions.
  • Operating model and organisation design teams.
  • PMOs and transformation leaders embedding governance into delivery.

What you will learn

  • The strengths and trade-offs of centralised, federated and hybrid models.
  • How to design a governance operating model aligned to strategy and scale.
  • The role and structure of a Data Governance Office (DGO).
  • How to define decision rights and escalation paths.
  • How operating models evolve as governance matures.
  • How to align operating models to Gate 7: Governance and Gate 8: Communication.

Agenda

  • Why operating model choice matters.
  • Overview of common governance operating models.
  • Designing roles, forums and responsibilities.
  • Decision rights, escalation and accountability.
  • The role of the DGO in practice.
  • Operating model anti-patterns to avoid.
  • Examples from different organisational contexts.
  • Q&A and discussion.

Delivery and format

Delivered as a 1 hour interactive virtual session, extendable into a design workshop focused on your governance operating model.

  • Format: Live virtual or on site.
  • Group size: Up to 25 participants recommended.
  • Optional: Follow-up hands-on workshop.

Next steps

This course is commonly paired with: DG2 · Ownership & Stewardship, DG3 · Data Forums & Communication and HBG3 · The DG Roadmap & Prioritisation