DATA Transformation Framework Workshop
Data is becoming a new battleground for those concerned with building and protecting corporate reputations. Consumers are data-aware as never before. While they may be happy to share personal data with organisations they trust, they are also ready to punish them for any misuse of data or perceived lack of transparency. Organisations that can master data, using it ethically and in an open and trustworthy manner, will win. Company reputations will be built on the strength of how seriously they take their Corporate Digital Responsibilities, at least in part.
So how can communicators master data? How can we make sure that we know and understand enough to advise our organisations confidently at the most senior levels? We must embrace it in its full capacity, understanding both the power it holds and the risks it may expose. Here is the basic process that we have developed at Allegory for achieving this:
Deep Dive:
- Carry out a comprehensive data audit. What data does your organisation hold? Where is it stored? Who has access to it? What is it used for? Is it shared? How long is it kept for, and how is it protected?
- Evaluate your data policies and procedures against your wider organisational mission, vision and values
Analyse:
- Identify weak points and ensure that all data is being gathered, stored and used ethically and transparently.
- Ensure that the risks of data mis-management are fully understood and mitigated across your organisation (ie. captured and considered in your organisation’s risk register)
Transform:
- Make sure that the data you need to do your job is readily available and can be accessed quickly in the event of a crisis.
- Consider publishing public-facing, data-driven dashboards – showing your organisation’s performance across key metrics.
- Make data protection an integral part of your risk register and your crisis management response.
- Ensure that people in the business understand the company’s responsibilities, processes and commitments concerning data.
- Address any skills gaps.
Advocate:
- Provide a strategy to communicate to your audience why your company takes CDR seriously and the measures to ensure these principles are upheld.
- Be transparent about company policy concerning data, especially what your organisation is/ is not prepared to share and how it will do so safely.