What role does a data steward play within data governance?

A data steward plays a critical role within the framework of data governance by ensuring that data policies are applied consistently across the organization. This involves the management of data quality, data standards, and compliance with regulations. Data stewards are responsible for establishing and maintaining data definitions, data access policies, and data protection measures, which helps to improve data integrity and accountability.

In this role, data stewards bridge the gap between technical teams and business units, ensuring that data management practices align with the organization's objectives. They act as custodians of data, monitoring its lifecycle from creation to archiving or deletion, and facilitating a culture of data responsibility across departments.

This focus on policy enforcement and data stewardship is vital for maintaining trust in the data used for decision-making and helps ensure that all aspects of data governance are properly adhered to within the organization.