Data Architecture principles
4. Data is obtainable
- Last reviewed
- 4 June 2026
- Owner
- Head of Architecture
Data is obtainable for users to carry out their activities.
Why data is obtainable
Wide access to data means that efficient and effective decisions can be made across the whole organisation, with timely responses to data requests and service delivery. Data should be obtainable by a wide variety of users and services.
How data is obtainable
This principle is related to Data is an asset, and Data is shared, so all teams should understand the relationship between the value of data, sharing of data and obtainability of data.
This principle also relates to Data is secure – we must ensure the right balance between obtainability and security.
All users should be able to obtain data easily.
The way information is stored, accessed and presented must be adaptable for a wide range of users and their corresponding methods of access.
Obtainable data must also include good quality metadata to minimise the risk of erroneous decision-making based on a misunderstanding of the data context. This should include process/user journey metadata to understand how data were captured in the first place.
Good governance must be in place to ensure those with access to data understand their responsibilities under the current legislation, and the limits of what they can do in the way of publishing, sharing or modifying the data.
It must be quick and easy to determine who has access to each data asset, and to audit any human or computer access for any time period going back for a reasonable amount of time.