Creating an Effective Information Governance Board: Best Practices and Key Considerations
Information governance is the process of managing an organization’s data and records. By doing so, organizations can make informed decisions, avoid legal and regulatory issues, and maximize the value of their data. However, implementing an effective information governance program can be challenging. This is where an information governance board comes in.
An information governance board is a group of stakeholders responsible for establishing and overseeing the organization’s information governance program. The following are best practices and key considerations for creating an effective information governance board.
Establishing the Board
The first step in establishing an effective information governance board is to define its purpose and responsibilities. This includes identifying the stakeholders who will be involved in the board and ensuring that they have the necessary authority and expertise.
Defining Roles and Responsibilities
Once the stakeholders have been identified, the board needs to define their roles and responsibilities. This includes identifying who will lead the board, who will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures, and who will be responsible for auditing and monitoring the program.
Developing Policies and Procedures
An effective information governance program requires well-defined policies and procedures. The board should work with the organization’s IT and legal departments to develop policies and procedures that address data privacy, security, retention, and disposal.
Educating Employees
In order for an information governance program to be effective, all employees must be aware of and understand the policies and procedures. The board should develop and implement an awareness and training program that educates employees on the importance of information governance and their role in the program.
Monitoring and Auditing
The board must establish a process for monitoring and auditing the organization’s information governance program. This includes developing metrics to measure the program’s effectiveness and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance.
Examples of Successful Information Governance Boards
Several organizations have implemented successful information governance boards. For example, the law firm Gibson Dunn established an information governance steering committee that includes members of the firm’s IT, legal, and records management departments. The committee is responsible for developing and implementing the firm’s information governance program.
Another example is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Information Governance Board, which oversees the agency’s information governance program. The board is composed of representatives from several offices, including the Office of Privacy and Records Management, the Office of Cybersecurity, and the Office of General Counsel.
Conclusion
An effective information governance board is essential for managing an organization’s data and records. By following best practices and key considerations for creating and maintaining the board, organizations can ensure that their information governance program is effective and compliant.
