By Grant Sweeney, General Manager

DGaaS and vCDO: Introducing the New Wave of Flexibility in Data Consulting

Data Governance as a Service (DGaaS) and Virtual CDO (vCDO): Introducing the New Wave of Flexibility in Data Consulting 

As organisations in New Zealand continue to navigate the complexities of data management and governance, new innovative solutions are emerging to provide greater flexibility and expertise. Enter Data Governance as a Service (DGaaS) and Virtual Chief Data Officer (vCDO) – the next wave in Data Consulting.  

These services through Stellar offer New Zealand organisations the agility and specialised knowledge needed to effectively manage and govern their data assets under a fractional resource model. Let’s explore what DGaaS and vCDO are, and why they are game changers for modern data governance. 

What is Data Governance as a Service (DGaaS)? 

DGaaS is a comprehensive, outsourced solution that provides businesses with the necessary tools, processes, and expertise to manage and govern their data. By leveraging DGaaS, companies can ensure their data is accurate, accessible, and secure, without the need for extensive in-house resources. 

The key components of our DGaaS solution: 

• Policy Development and Implementation: Establishing data governance policies and ensuring they are effectively socialised and implemented across the organisation. 

• Data Quality Management: Monitoring and maintaining the quality of data to ensure it meets business standards and requirements, particularly important for AI foundations as high-quality data is essential for training accurate and reliable AI models. 

• Risk and Compliance Management: Ensuring adherence to local and international data protection regulations, such as the NZ Privacy Act (2020), the Australian Privacy Act (1988) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

• Data Stewardship: Assigning responsibilities for data management and supporting with tasks to ensure accountability and transparency. 

• Technology Solutions: Implementing and managing the necessary tools and technologies to support data governance activities, including tools such as Microsoft Purview or Alation. 

What is Virtual Chief Data Officer (vCDO)? 

A vCDO is an outsourced Senior Data or Advisory Consultant who provides strategic oversight and guidance for your data management efforts. Unlike a traditional, in-house CDO, our vCDO solution offers on-demand expertise, allowing organisations to access high-level insights and strategies without the need for a full-time executive. 

The key responsibilities of a vCDO include: 

• Strategic Data Management: Developing and overseeing the implementation of the organisation’s Data Strategy to align with business goals, including readiness and preparation for AI. 

• Data Governance Frameworks: Designing and implementing robust Data Governance Frameworks and Operating Models to ensure strategic and best practice alignment. 

• Risk and Compliance Management: Identifying data-related risks and mitigations, and ensuring organisation-wide compliance with all legal, contractual, and regulatory obligations. 

• Innovation and Best Practices: Staying ahead of industry trends and best practices to continuously improve Data Governance and Data Management processes, and providing thought leadership in these areas to the executive and the wider organisation. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with key stakeholders to foster a data-driven culture within the organisation and reporting back at the executive table. 

Why DGaaS and vCDO Could be the Right Fractional Resource Model For You 

In today’s data-driven world, effective Data Governance is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring compliance. For organisations in New Zealand, we’ve seen that the flexibility and expertise offered by DGaaS and vCDO can be particularly valuable. Here’s why: 

1. It’s Cost Effective: DGaaS and vCDO offer access to our top-tier Data Governance expertise without the overhead costs of a full-time, in-house team. 

1. You Get Expert Guidance at a Fraction of the Cost: In the current economic climate, some organisations may not have the financial capacity to commit to a full-time Data Governance resource. Our DGaaS and vCDO solutions offer a flexible and scalable alternative from seasoned Data Governance experts that can be tailored to your organisation’s level of data maturity without long-term commitment. 

1. Achieve Greater Efficiencies and Compliance Assurance: By outsourcing Data Governance at a level that’s right for you, your organisation can focus on its core business activities while ensuring your data is well-managed. And our Data Governance experts help to ensure that you comply with data protection regulations, reducing your risk of fines and reputational damage. 

Get Started with DGaaS and vCDO 

For New Zealand organisations looking to enhance Data Governance capability, Stellar offers flexible and effective solutions. As data continues to play a critical role in business success, and as a key foundation of AI, adopting Stellar’s DGaaS and vCDO services can help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your data is the valuable, well-governed asset it deserves to be. 

To learn more about how DGaaS and vCDO can benefit your organisation, contact Stellar Advisory on 0800 228 872,or email us on bi@stellarconsulting.co.nz.