By Laini Byfield

Review committees

A pragmatic governance layer for operational programs — fast enough for real cycles, accountable enough to matter.

AppealsExceptionsError handling

What a review committee handles

Appeals

Adjudicate disputes and exceptions with documented evidence standards and defined timelines.

Data errors

Trigger reprocessing and correction workflows — log root causes, not just outcomes.

Rule changes

Review proposed changes for timing effects, fairness implications, and communication needs.

How it fits Small Data Ethics

A review committee operationalizes contestability. It turns "we have an appeals process" into an actual process — with timelines, assigned accountability, and a repair path that participants can see and use.

See also: Ethics boards for strategic governance →