Advancing Data Governance

Embedding Policies and Practices to Enable Modernisation

2 June 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM AEST

4 June 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM AEST

Virtual

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Overview

As governments continue modernising their data ecosystems, the Data Availability and Transparency (DAT) Act 2022 remains a central reference point. With the Act currently under review and findings due in April 2026, agencies must be prepared to respond to potential recommendations or legislative changes that could reshape how data is shared, protected and governed. This shifting environment places fresh pressure on public sector organisations already navigating legacy systems, complex regulatory obligations and rising expectations for transparency and responsible data use.

With data volumes growing and operating models evolving, effective governance is becoming both more critical and more challenging. There is no universal blueprint — each agency must tailor its governance settings to its maturity, culture and risk profile.

The Advancing Data Governance in the Public Sector course provides a clear, practical pathway. Across two days, participants will learn how to embed a governance culture, design fit-for-purpose frameworks and adopt capability-based approaches that strengthen organisational maturity. The program focuses on accountability across the data lifecycle, measuring effectiveness and aligning governance with digital transformation.

Build confidence, uplift capability and ensure your agency is ready for whatever emerges from the DAT Act review — and the data challenges ahead.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

  • Understand key factors to consider when crafting a data governance policy
  • Assess the different approaches to data governance based on the data lifecycle
  • Set up a Community of Practice and plan for continuous improvement
  • Modernise data governance for 2026 and beyond

Who Should Attend

This advanced-level training is designed for APS 6–EL 2 / Executive-level professionals (or state, territory and local government equivalents) who are responsible for managing, governing, or leveraging data to drive policy, service delivery, and digital transformation.

Relevant roles include:

  • Chief Data Officers and senior data leaders
  • Heads of Data Governance or Data Strategy
  • Data Governance Managers and Policy Officers
  • Business Analysts or Data Analysts with governance responsibilities
  • ICT or Digital Officers supporting enterprise data initiatives
  • Program and Project Managers responsible for implementing data governance frameworks
  • Risk, Compliance, or Audit Officers focused on data quality and governance

Ideal for participants who:

  • Lead or oversee data governance frameworks and policies
  • Want to embed a culture of data governance within their organisation
  • Need to assess and improve data governance maturity and capability
  • Are responsible for monitoring KPIs, continuous improvement, and compliance of data initiatives
  • Seek practical guidance on aligning data governance with digital transformation and organisational strategy

Why Attend

  • Gain insights that will enable you to change behaviours and practices to modernise data governance in your organisation
  • A bespoke, interactive program designed specifically to uplift data governance maturity in the public sector
  • Build knowledge on how to optimise your data to drive modernisation, transformation and user-centricity

Agenda

DAY 1 | 2 June 2026


Module 1 – Embedding a Culture of Data Governance: Policy and Framework

10:00am Welcome & Introductions
​

10:20am An overview of Data Governance

            • Reiterating the need for Data Governance in a public sector context
            • Unpacking Data Governance: Framework and Structure
            • A Chief Data Officer’s Data Governance priorities

10:50am Understanding the Key Elements of a ‘Good’ Data

Governance Policy

            • What is the purpose and benefit of a Data Governance Policy
            • Definitions across the Data and Analytics spectrum
            • Assessing principles and applicability

11:30am Break
​

11:35am Establishing a Data Governance Framework and Policy

            • How to embed data governance: Mindsets and behaviours
            • Unpacking data stewardship and lines of responsibility
            • Communication to optimising take-up

12:15pm Lunch
​

Module 2 – Setting up a Data Governance Models



12:45pm Managing Data at Different Stages of Its Lifecycle

            • Uncovering the lifecycle of your data
            • Defining accountability at each stage
            • Guidelines for making data-related decisions at each stage

1:30pm Break
​

1:35pm Developing a Fit-for-Purpose Data Governance Model

            • Crafting a data governance policy
            • Establishing an understanding of the key pillars of data governance: People, Process, Information, Technology and Data
            • Key considerations: Creating a roadmap and data governance model to close the gap


​2:25pm Reflections and Closing Remarks


2:30pm End of Day 1

DAY 2 | 4 June 2026


Module 3 – Data Governance as an Enabler of Modernisation

10:00am Welcome and Recap

10:15am Evaluating Data Governance Maturity

            • Defining maturity levels and the determining characteristics
            • Assessing your current maturity levels vs. future state maturity level
            • Discussing strategies and tools to build data governance maturity

11:00am Break

11:15am Building Data Governance Capability

            • Understanding Capability modelling
            • Applying these principles to improve data governance maturity

12:00pm Lunch
​

Module 4 – Data Governance BAU and Continuous Improvement

12:30pm KPIs and Monitoring Effectiveness of your Policies and Strategy

            • Defining the KPIs of Data Governance
            • Establishing what good looks like
            • Capturing, monitoring and visualising metrics

1:15pm Break
​

1:30pm Embedding Data Governance and Setting up for Continuous

            • Creating a community of practice
            • Stakeholder engagement and change management
            • Tailoring a data governance initiative brief

2:25pm Reflections and Closing Remarks

2:30pm End of Day 2


Nigel Schmalkuche

Managing Director and Principal Consultant | Strategic Architects
​

Meet Your Facilitator

Nigel Schmalkuche is a leader in strategy, AI, data, cloud, enterprise and business architecture and has guided government across Australia through digital business transformation. He is a results-orientated business and ICT professional with 30 years’ experience in the fields of energy, education, elections, finance, health care, housing, legal, mining, manufacturing, news and media, pharmaceutical, policing, racing, transport and utilities.

Nigel has held various professional and leadership roles in ICT and Enterprise Architecture in Queensland State and Local Government. He is one of our leading trainers and facilitates training courses on Enterprise, Business and Data Architecture, AI and RPA for Australian, New Zealand, USA and Canada Government Professionals

Nigel has written two books, AI and Data Strategy and Data to Insight that cover a wide variety of Data Architecture topics including Data Governance.


Ready to level up your public sector skills?

Register Early & Save!

Join peers from across government for a practical, expert-led training designed to build your capability, confidence, and career progression. Seats are limited. Register now to secure your spot. For group bookings (10+), payment enquiries or custom training options, reach out at training@publicsector.academy

Book Now


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