As promised in my previous article, I finally found some time to create some generic templates of Compliance registers.

These Excel registers apply the principles discussed in my previous article and avoid the common mistakes highlighted in the first article of my series on data management. They are designed for Compliance departments but can be adapted to any function.

Each template is a good example (at least from my point of view) of a well-structured Excel file. It includes a clear layout, data validation, conditional formatting, embedded documentation. It does not include any VBA macros because based on my own experience, they can be a nightmare to maintain over time.

At the risk of repeating myself, keep in mind that Excel is not a long-term data storage solution, but I am sure that these templates can serve as a useful learning tool or temporary framework. I suggest taking some time to explore these templates, understand what has been implemented, and think about their potential limitations.

The templates available:

• Employee Register
• Regulatory Change Log
• Policy Breach Register
• Conflicts of Interest Register

All files are free to download and use. No registration or email required. Feel free to use them/modify as you see fit.