Data governance - Process
Data retention
Rules for how long information should be kept before it is deleted or archived
What's it for?
Sets how long information should be kept so it is available when needed but not stored forever without reason.
For example…
Interview notes are kept for six months after hiring closes, then securely deleted unless a legal hold says otherwise
A retention policy keeps invoices for the required period but automatically deletes rejected job applications much sooner when there is no reason to retain them
Think of it like…
Clearing out a loft: keep the deeds and tax papers, not every takeaway flyer from 2012