Information Governance Initiative

A joint initiative sponsored by Information Technology Services and the University Secretariat

Background

Information is a key asset of any organization.  In fall 2011 ITS benchmarked the state of data management at UNB.  Based on the findings of the benchmarking exercise, the following improvement target was set:

Propose, get approval, and then implement an information governance body.  This body should have decision making authority to resolve data and records issues.  The body needs to be proposed, input obtained and then submitted to UMC.  This proposed framework should have a long-term mandate with decision making authority.

To achieve the improvement target in January 2012 an Information Governance Initiative Committee was struck.

About the Information Governance Initiative

Membership

  • Janice El-Bayoumi – lead
  • Tim Walker – representing data users
  • Mark Bishop – representing information custodians
  • Donna Curtis – Records Management Coordinator
  • Adam Humphrey – Enterprise Information Architect

Goals

1. To propose to the University Management Committee, a framework to enable the effective management of UNB information assets.  The framework will define reporting relationships, roles, responsibilities, and processes for: 

  • prioritizing information governance issues based on business value and risk
  • decision making to resolve existing information issues and proactively address new needs
  • identifying, developing, documenting, promoting, supporting implementation, and maintaining related policy, best practices, procedures and tools
  • assigning information custodianship, resolving custodianship issues and defining custodian accountabilities
  • supporting information based regulatory compliance
  • demonstrating and  communicating the value of the management of information
  • ensuring iterative improvement of the management of information

2. To develop an initial list of information categories to be managed.

Milestones

  • March 2012 -Determine Scope, Goals and Principles (completed)
  • March 2012 - Scope /Goals/Principles approval by AVP-ITS and University Secretariat (complete)
  • Sept/Oct 2012 - Develop proposal and supporting case
  • Nov/Dec 2012 - Consultation phase
  • Winter 2013 - Submit proposal to UMC

Communication Plan

  • Target audiences:  Deans Council, Directors + and Data experts participating in benchmarking exercise
  • Frequency:  minimum once per term or more if required