Last week, we introduced you to the ARMA IGIM Framework. What’s next? Every successful Information Governance (IG) program starts with a strong base. The ARMA IGIM framework outlines three critical building blocks:
- Steering Committee
- Authorities
- Support Functions
Implementing these foundational pieces not only gets your IG program off the ground but also creates a system where artificial intelligence (AI) tools can thrive.
1. Forming a Steering Committee
An effective Steering Committee ensures that your IG program has direction, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. Including representatives from IT, Legal, Privacy, and Compliance ensures diverse perspectives and safeguards alignment with organizational goals.
Key for AI Adoption:
A cross-functional Steering Committee ensures your AI initiatives don’t operate in silos. For example, while the IT team oversees AI tools, Legal ensures adherence to privacy laws, preventing risks related to automated decision-making.
Actionable Tip: Assign an AI-focused subcommittee to oversee how governance policies interact with algorithmic applications.
2. Understanding Authorities
Clear Authorities, such as internal policies and external regulations, guide AI initiatives responsibly. Policies must address AI-specific issues like ethical data use, bias mitigation, and legal compliance.
Key for AI Adoption:
Organizations can confidently deploy AI when they know their tools and models comply with data regulations (e.g., GDPR or CCPA). Structured Authorities build the trust needed for employees and stakeholders to adopt AI-powered processes.
3. Activating Support Functions
Support Functions like training, project management, and communications are essential for building both an IG program and an AI-ready culture.
Key for AI Adoption:
Train employees not only on IG principles but also on effectively using and understanding AI tools. An educated workforce handles AI outputs responsibly, avoiding misuse or confusion.
Example in Action: A health care provider formed a Steering Committee to integrate an AI tool for patient scheduling. By aligning IG policies, they ensured the tool used anonymized data and complied with HIPAA, boosting efficiency without risking non-compliance.