SIG Templates & Toolkits
The Data Governance
Starter Kit
Four free templates for getting data governance off the ground the right way: find the right people, listen to how they really work with data, define the real problems, and decide what to fix first.
Why It Matters
Start with people and problems, not policies.
Data governance programs often stall because they start with a framework, a tool or a stack of policies that nobody asked for. People see it as extra work, and the program quietly loses support.
This kit helps you start where governance actually succeeds: with the people who own and use the data, the problems they feel every day, and a short list of priorities everyone agrees on.
What’s Inside
Four templates, one solid start.
Each template stands on its own, and they’re built to work together.
Excel
Stakeholder Roster and Analysis
Why it helps. Shows who has a stake in your data governance work and how to engage each person, before you form a council.
What’s inside
- Roster with data governance roles, from sponsor to data consumer
- Power and interest grid that places each person for you
- Engagement approach for every quadrant
- Workshop guide and a summary that flags a missing sponsor
Word
Empathy Interview Guide
Why it helps. Helps you understand how people really create, manage and use data, so governance fixes the problems they actually have.
What’s inside
- Eight-part interview structure
- Do and don’t rules for good interviews
- Twelve sample questions
- A fill-in interview form for every conversation
Word
Problem Statement and A3 Workbook
Why it helps. Turns what you hear into clear problem statements, then works through root causes and countermeasures on one page.
What’s inside
- How to write a problem statement anyone can understand
- Problem statement checklist and worked example
- Step-by-step guide to the eight A3 steps
- One-page landscape A3 template
Excel
WSJF Prioritization
Why it helps. Ranks your governance initiatives by value and effort, so the first things you do earn trust quickly.
What’s inside
- Preloaded with 14 common starting initiatives
- Cost of Delay and WSJF score calculated for you
- Automatic ranking from highest to lowest priority
- Plain-language scoring guide for each column
How the Pieces Fit
Use them in this order.
Find your people
Map who owns, manages and uses the data, and who needs to sponsor the work.
Listen first
Interview people across roles to learn how data really works today and where it hurts.
Define the problems
Turn interview themes into clear problem statements, and work the biggest ones with an A3.
Decide what’s first
Score initiatives with WSJF as a group and start with the highest-value work.
Pairs Well With
Other free SIG resources.
These fit naturally alongside the kit.
- WSJF Workshop: facilitate the prioritization session with your governance council.
- SIPOC Workshop: map where data comes from and who uses it before you interview.
- Communications and Change Kit: plan how you’ll bring people along as governance changes how they work.
- Program Management Toolkit: charter, RACI and RAID log once governance becomes a program.
Common Questions
Before you download.
Do we need a data governance framework or tool first?
No. This kit is designed for the very beginning, before frameworks and tools. It helps you understand the people and problems so that whatever you choose later fits how your organization actually works.
Who should use this kit?
Anyone asked to start or restart data governance: a data or analytics leader, a PMO lead, a newly named data owner or a governance council chair.
How many interviews should we do?
Enough to hear from every major role and data area, usually between 6 and 12. Stop when you keep hearing the same themes.
Is it free?
Yes. There’s no form and no account. Just download what you need.
Want help getting
data governance started?
SIG’s consultants have led enterprise data and analytics teams and know what makes governance stick. We can facilitate the workshops and interviews, or guide your team on a monthly retainer.