Boosting Confidence in Trustworthy Data Sharing: Introducing the ODI Data Practices Maturity Model
Trust (or the absence of it) in data and data practices can be a major barrier to data sharing.
ODI
At the ODI, we’ve developed a set of practices and tools designed to strengthen the collection, use, and sharing of data. Our Data Practices Maturity Model helps bridge the gap between high-level strategies and real-world data operations, offering guidance to ensure data is handled in a way which inspires confidence.
Why Trust Matters
Trust is the foundation of any effective data ecosystem. Without it, the process of data sharing slows down, creating friction, delays, and added costs. Trustworthy data practices don’t just foster smoother collaboration—they also help your organisation create social, economic, and environmental value.
Our data practices aim to:
- Close the gap between strategy and actual data practices in the workplace.
- Complement, not duplicate, existing data assurance tools and frameworks.
- Be understandable and applicable to all employees, not just data specialists.
Data Practices: More Than Just a Role
Trustworthy data handling is the responsibility of everyone in an organisation, not just dedicated data teams. Every employee, regardless of their role, should understand how their actions impact the data they collect, use, or share. This approach ensures efficiency and helps manage organisational risks, especially when sharing data externally.
What is the Data Practices Maturity Model?
The Data Practices Maturity Model allows organisations to assess, benchmark, and validate their data practices. It provides a structured roadmap of activities and processes that need to be in place to ensure confident and secure data handling, both internally and externally.
What Makes This Model Different?
Unlike other data maturity models or data frameworks, the Data Practices Maturity Model places a strong emphasis on trustworthy data sharing. It goes beyond technical requirements by examining critical aspects such as user engagement, data sharing agreements, and highlights the specific aspects of quality control which ensure that data can be reused with assurance and confidence.
Why Use the Model?
Implementing this model offers a range of benefits:
- Improve data practices by setting clear, measurable benchmarks.
- Foster collaboration within and between data teams. While individuals can use the model, working through it with a team offers diverse perspectives and helps align on shared goals.
- Facilitated assessments: A guided assessment process can ensure focus, gather valuable feedback, and help clarify challenges.
By adopting the Data Practices Maturity Model, your organisation can build the foundation for more reliable, reusable, and trusted data sharing practices—internally and externally.
How to start using the Data Practices Maturity Model
The Data Practices Maturity Model is now available to be used via the ODI Maturity Assessment Tool which you can access below.
In order to use the tool you will need an ODI account.