Horizontal audit of data management governance
Berne, 14.10.2026 — Data is considered one of the most important resources of any administrative unit. Consequently, in 2021, in response to motion 20.4260 “Future-proof data infrastructure and data governance in the Federal Administration”, the Federal Council decided to establish appropriate governance structures. The aim is to create the necessary foundations for successful digitalisation, making it easier for interested parties to find and use Federal Administration data. At the same time, the Federal Administration is to establish clear rules, processes and responsibilities for collecting, using and protecting data.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the seven departments and the Federal Chancellery have established governance structures for data management. The audit findings show that the departments have so far made only limited progress towards achieving the Federal Council's objective. Given the low level of implementation, the SFAO decided not to pursue further examination of the planned audit questions and concluded the horizontal audit ahead of schedule.