Who We Work For
Waternet
Gaining Control Over Data Together
Challenge
Within Waternet, extensive knowledge about data and data management was present, spread across various departments and disciplines. However, a unified approach to managing data, making it available, and organizing responsibilities was missing.
Everyone recognized the importance of data governance. Yet, that didn’t mean everyone had the same understanding of it. What exactly do we mean by data governance? Who owns which data? Where do responsibilities lie? And how do we organize collaboration between different departments?
The challenge, therefore, was not only to develop a data governance model but, more importantly, to bring together the diverse insights and perspectives within the organization.
Approach
Together with a multidisciplinary team of six Waternet colleagues, we gathered existing knowledge, bottlenecks, and ideas.
During three workshops, the team developed an initial shared vision for the desired data governance structure. We visualized the ideas, from the potential setup of a Data Governance Office to roles, responsibilities, and concrete next steps.
Subsequently, we deliberately engaged in discussions with six colleagues who viewed the issue from different responsibilities and perspectives.
The visualizations served as the starting point. Not to convince people of a preconceived solution, but to make differences in insight visible and discussable.
This led to valuable conversations about ownership, mandate, collaboration, and even the meaning of concepts that seemed self-evident to everyone.
With the feedback received, the team was able to refine the model and better determine which choices still needed to be made.
Raymond van Gent
Head of Information Provision (IV)
Results
The sprint delivered a visual data governance model, with an initial outline of the desired structure, roles, responsibilities, and next steps.
But perhaps the most significant outcome was the conversations it sparked.
Colleagues with different perspectives could react to the same concrete proposal. This clarified where consensus existed, where views diverged, and which questions still required a joint answer.
The model provided an overview and structure. The discussions revealed what was needed to truly make it work: clear responsibilities, a shared language, involvement from various departments, and room to start small.
In this way, Waternet not only gained a foundational basis for data governance but also concrete starting points to continue the conversation within the organization.
About
In 2024, Waternet was working on the further professionalization of data management. The organization performed tasks for Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht and the municipality of Amsterdam. This case focused on developing a shared foundation for data governance.
