Mission Statement
To promote a unified and strategic approach to the governance, sharing, and re-use of data and official records across the Public Administration. This framework aims to enhance data quality, simplify administrative processes, and improve public service delivery in line with national and EU legislation.
Background
The Data Governance Council, serves as the principal advisory and consultative body on data-related matters within the Public Administration. Its role has been formalized and expanded under the Organisational Structures for Data Sharing and Re-Use Regulations (S.L. 546.01), which provides the legal basis for the governance of official registers and the implementation of open data and data-sharing policies.
A comprehensive catalogue of official registers with a legal basis, known as the Register of Registers, has been developed to ensure transparency and consistency in data management. Key base registers, such as the Person Register and the Business Register, are maintained by Identita Agency and the Malta Business Registry.
Council Functions
The functions of the Data Governance Council established by PART XI of the Organisational Structures for Data Sharing and Re-Use Regulations (https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/546.1/eng) are:
- The Council shall serve as the focal point for co-ordination and mediation, as may be required, in relation to the management of official registers and official records within the public administration functions as well as the focal point for any other data-related matters as directed by the Minister responsible for public sector information.
- The Council shall be the main consultative and advisory body in respect of all matters relating to the governance of official registers and high-level discussions, mediation and the formulation of policy, direction and decisions relating to corporate and enterprise (horizontally applicable) data within the public administration.
- The Council shall be involved in the discussions between data owners and any third party requesting access to specific registers or datasets before such requests are submitted for the consideration of the regulatory authority. The proposals or decisions of the Council shall be without prejudice to, and subject to, decisions of the regulatory authority.
- The Council shall be composed of a chairperson and members having the required credentials and academic back ground necessary for an informed discussion on the subject of data management in the context of the public administration processes and requirements as appointed for a term of three (3) years by the Principal Permanent Secretary.
- The core members of the Council shall be selected from the main functions of the public administration which have the most impact on the implementation of the information systems and the related national strategies as may be applicable at the time. The number of core members forming part of the Council shall not exceed ten (10) persons.(6a) The chairperson may appoint a secretary to serve the Council.
- The Council may also invite and involve other experts and subject-matter specialists as may be required from time to time and according to the issues and subjects then being dealt with at the time.
- The Council shall, after due consideration and appraisal of the information supplied, refer the disputed requests received, conclusions and proposals agreed within the Council to the Principal Permanent Secretary for authorisation or any other direction as may be applicable.
Council Members
The Council is composed of a chairperson and up to ten members appointed by the Principal Permanent Secretary for a term of three years. Members are selected based on their expertise in data management and public administration. The Council may also consult external experts as needed and is supported by a secretary responsible for organizing its proceedings.