.png){kind=logo}
Welcome to our monthly newsletter - where we let you know what's been happening in the world of data, keep you in the loop with our latest blog releases, highlight our top news picks and share with you exclusive updates from the team at DAMA UK.
Dear Data People
The pumpkins are out, the shadows grow… and our October newsletter is here to thrill! Pour yourself a goblet of bubbling brew, settle in, and prepare to uncover the treats (and tricks) in our DAMA UK update!
This month, we’re highlighting the importance of brushing your data, and exploring why data’s real value lies in translation - because good insights only come from data that speaks the language of business leadership. Plus, we’ve got tips on making leadership care about data governance, and a spine-chilling introduction to the Data Meddleman… He’ll haunt your dreams.
Add to that the opening of registration for our March CDMP training course, the magic potion of knowledge that is the DAMA-DMBoK handbook, and the monthly roundup of the latest events and webinars to keep your skills sharp, and you’ve got your own data cauldron of insight and inspiration!
Don’t Forget to Brush Your Data!
“Data quality is a bit like brushing your teeth. Skip it once, you’ll survive. Skip it for months… and suddenly you’ve got bigger (and more expensive) problems.”
Very true, Karima Makrof, MBA, and well put!Like anything that requires regular upkeep, data quality that slips over time can reveal some rather gnarly hidden costs for data governance. Think duplicated effort, unreliable reports, frustrated teams…
Perhaps the significance of ownership is what shines through in Karima’s post.
Brushing your data every day might feel boring, but it’s what keeps the whole organisation from having toothaches later!
Why Data’s Real Value Lies in Translation
Data is only a cost until it translates into a valuable, measurable action.
Clare Kitching rightly highlights that the highest leverage is in translation. Yes, the human element that turns those rows into reasoning.
This means shifting focus from delivering a clean output, AKA a perfect dashboard, to delivering a clear call-to-action.
To complement Clare’s points on what strong leaders do differently, we thought we’d add three ways all data professionals can adopt the ‘translation’ mindset she speaks of. 👇
How to Make Leadership Care About Data Governance
“People only care when improvement solves a real problem.”
This is a crucial lesson that many data professionals don't catch on to until well into their data careers!
So we thought we'd do you a favour and share Julien Hoornweg’s post about some honest truths on data governance implementation.
Unfortunately, Julien is right in saying that most data governance programs fail. Statistics show up to 90% of programs fail because they're treated as isolated IT projects.
This is often said to be the wrong way around because it focuses too much on the process of cleaner data rather than the outcome that business leadership truly cares about.
So, how do you get around this and appeal to your leadership?
Stuff of Nightmares: Meet the Meddleman!
Ever heard of a data meddleman? 👀
We came across a post by Brent Dykes describing what we imagine to be an unfortunately very relatable scenario for a lot of data professionals!
Picture an analyst who is asked to build an executive dashboard without meeting the executives directly. They receive vague requirements from a middle layer. Months of work later, the business picks apart the report, or perhaps rejects it outright! 😬
That is what Brent is describing as a data meddleman. Someone who unintentionally, or sometimes intentionally, distorts or blocks the flow of information between data teams and stakeholders.
Let’s not forget, data meddlemen aren’t always deliberate roadblocks. They’re often well-meaning people in the wrong structure. The antidote? Direct collaboration between data teams and the right stakeholders, always!
NEWS
Need Help Mastering Data Management?
Feeling lost? The DAMA Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBoK) is your compass through the stormy seas of data management! The ultimate guide for anyone looking to build on their knowledge, improve their daily practice, or prepare for the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) exams.
Our guide includes:
✅ Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of data management
✅ Excellent guidance to support real-world projects
✅ All the preparation you need for the CDMP qualification
And there’s a special perk for DAMA members with an exclusive discount on both digital and hardcopy editions…
If you need guidance on your data management journey, we’re here to help.
DAMA UK members! Here’s your chance to prove your data management expertise with a globally recognised credential. Registration for our Spring CDMP 3-day training course from 3–5 March 2026 is now open. It may feel a long way off BUT spaces fill up fast.
Why join?
✅ Intensive, members-only training covering governance, architecture, quality, ethics, and security
✅ Option to take the CDMP exam at the end or within 12 months
✅ Exclusive member benefits: mentoring, study resources, and community support
We’ll equip you with all you need to strengthen your skills, boost your credibility, and take the next step in your data career!
DIARY DATES
IRM UK: Technology Leaders Conference Europe 2025 - Nov 12th
IRM UK hosts the Technology Leaders Conference Europe 2025, a virtual event taking place on Wednesday 12 November, 9am–5pm.
Join CIOs, CTOs, IT Directors, and Security Leaders for a day of insight, innovation, and practical leadership. This year’s theme, ‘The Convergence of Leadership: Aligning Technology, Security and Data for Business Growth,’ brings together top minds to explore how technology can truly drive business value.This virtual conference is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with impact.
Registration is open now! 👇
WEBINARS
Click on icons to register
Did you Miss…
Any of our recent webinars?
Each of our webinars addresses a specific aspect of data management or the challenges and opportunities facing us data practitioners. They’re hugely popular and valuable so, if you didn’t catch them all, why not take a look at our fantastic archive here 👉 DAMA UK - Events.
Sponsors
Finally, we would like to say a HUGE thank you to our brilliant sponsors, who support DAMA UK on our mission to nurture a talented community of data professionals championing the value of data management across the UK.
