Decision object requirements
Specify the minimum fields in a contestable decision object: reason code, evidence source, owner, deadline, and reversal power.
What is Contestability?
Contestability ensures people can challenge automated decisions and receive binding review.
Contestability is the ability for affected people to challenge and reverse automated decisions. It requires notice, a clear appeal path, and binding authority to change outcomes.
Contestability turns accountability into a workflow with receipts, timelines, and documented remedies.
Canonical entry: What is Contestability? in the glossary.
An eligibility denial includes an appeal button that guarantees a human review within 72 hours and provides a receipt for every step.
Implementation
Distinct implementation signals
Unique operational detail to help this concept stand on its own in policy, procurement, and review workflows.
Common failure pattern
Appeal links without binding authority create performative review; name who can reverse outcomes and publish its deadline.
Evidence to ship
Report reversal rate by decision type, median time-to-remedy, and percentage of appeals receiving complete receipts.
Standard
STD-02 — Contestability & Recourse
Use the standard’s five obligations to design contestability flows.
Binding
Binding vectors
Adopt contestability language in procurement and release gates.
Evidence pack
STD-02 evidence pack
Collect receipts, timelines, and remedy evidence tied to contests.
What is the minimum contestability path?
At minimum, provide notice, a clear appeal channel, a human decision-maker with authority, and a published review clock.
How is contestability measured?
Measure receipt completeness, time-to-review, remedy rates, and the percentage of reversible decisions.