Archives boss wants more CIGOs

The Director-General of the National Archives, David Fricker, has called on all Commonwealth agencies to establish chief information governance officer (CIGO) positions.

“Right now as the Australian Government transitions to digital, we need people with high-level strategic skills to work with business to manage digital information assets effectively across an organisation,” said Fricker.

Fricker added that technology alone is not enough to manage the vast volume and variety of information created in today’s world.

“Of course it’s pleasing to see the uptake of new technologies transforming the way we deliver government and managing the overwhelming amount of information that’s created today,” said Fricker.

“We are calling for Commonwealth agencies to establish a chief information governance officer (CIGO) role to bring people, technology and processes together.”

According to its Digital Continuity 2020 policy, the National Archives see the role of CIGO as “best practice” for agencies committed to professional information management.

Fricker said the role is critical for digital innovation and capability, and for championing the importance of effective information management.

“An enterprise-wide view will break down silos to create new opportunities to deliver better business outcomes,” he said.

“We recognise that in an agile environment, agencies will implement the CIGO role in their own way.”

Fricker said another key benefit of establishing the CIGO role will be to “attract and retain skilled and qualified information professionals” by providing a rewarding career pathway and to “create a community of practice where ongoing professional development is valued”.

The National Archives has developed a set of guidelines (available online) to help agencies manage their data. It wants agencies to implement the CIGO role by 31 December 2017.

Image courtesy National Archives.