Data management DATM

Developing and implementing plans, policies, and practices that control, protect and optimise the value of data assets.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Updates for SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Continued refinement for data and analytics skills, Application of SFIA skills for digital health, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
New levels have been added at levels 2 and 3.
Readability improvements have been made to levels 4, 5, and 6.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping may be impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

managing data and information in all its forms
analysing information structures including — but not limited to — logical analysis of taxonomies, data and metadata
developing innovative ways of managing the information assets of the organisation
developing plans, policies and practices related to areas including — but not limited to — classification, storage, security, quality, sharing, availability, retrieval, retention and publishing
ensuring data is appropriately stored and archived, in line with relevant legislation
implementing data management practices for cloud-based services
applying ethical principles when handling data.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Data management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Devises and implements master data management processes for specific subsets of data.

Assesses the integrity of data from multiple sources.

Provides advice on the transformation of data from one format/medium to another. Maintains and implements information handling procedures.

Enables the availability, integrity and searchability of information through the application of formal data and metadata structures and protection measures.

Data management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Devises and implements master data management processes.

Derives data management structures and metadata to support consistency of information retrieval, combination, analysis, pattern recognition and interpretation, throughout the organisation.

Plans effective data storage, sharing and publishing within the organisation. Independently validates external information from multiple sources.

Assesses issues that might prevent the organisation from making maximum use of its information assets. Provides expert advice and guidance to enable the organisation to get maximum value from its data assets.

Data management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Derives an overall strategy of master data management that supports the development and secure operation of information and digital services.

Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for data management, aligned with ethical principles.

Plans, establishes and manages processes for regular and consistent access to external information from multiple sources and for independent validation of that information.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.