course overview

The Foundations of Data Stewardship

Understanding the Roles and Practices That Support Trusted Data
Data stewardship - mODULE 1

Understanding Data Stewardship

Effective data governance depends on more than policies and frameworks. It relies on people across an organisation taking responsibility for how data is created, managed, and used.
Data stewardship provides the operational bridge between governance expectations and everyday data practices.

The Foundations of Data Stewardship course introduces the core principles, roles, and responsibilities that support effective stewardship. Participants will develop an understanding of how stewardship contributes to data quality, accountability, and trusted decision-making within organisations.

This course provides a practical introduction to the stewardship mindset and the responsibilities that support sustainable data governance.
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Course Duration 

Self-paced online learning

Approximate completion time: 2  hours. Learners can progress at their own pace and revisit materials as needed.

Course Format

This course includes:

• Short video lessons

• Practical reflections and workbook activities

• Real-world examples and scenarios

• Knowledge checks to reinforce key concepts

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Course Objective

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and importance of data stewardship within organisations

• Recognise common stewardship roles and responsibilities

• Identify how stewardship supports data quality, accountability, and governance

• Apply stewardship thinking to everyday data practices

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Course Audience

This course is designed for:

• Data stewards and individuals responsible for managing data within their teams

• Professionals involved in governance, reporting, or operational data processes

• Managers seeking to strengthen accountability for organisational data

• Individuals supporting data governance initiatives or transformation programs

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Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course.

However, learners may benefit from completing Digital Data Foundations or having a general awareness of how data is used within their organisation.

Maria McLoughlin

Data Governance Specialist | Leadership Educator | Founder, Fernleaf Learning
ABOUT MARIA
Maria is a Data Governance specialist and founder of Fernleaf Learning with more than 25 years of experience in data management, governance, and organisational transformation.
She designs practical learning programs that help leaders and professionals apply data governance, stewardship, and evidence-based decision-making in real organisational environments.
Her work focuses on turning governance principles into everyday practice, strengthening data trust, accountability, and leadership capability across organisations.

Who we are

Fernleaf Learning provides practical professional development programs designed to build confidence and capability in data governance, stewardship, and evidence-based decision making.

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