Governance Guide

Human Review Protocol

Automation needs a human checkpoint. This protocol defines where and how review happens.

Human Review Protocol

Human Review Protocol addresses automated workflows run without human checkpoints, so errors propagate and judgment-based decisions are made by rule. The workflow combines process, automation, and human review to resolve it.

Automation needs a human checkpoint. This protocol defines where and how review happens.

Problem definition

Automated workflows run without human checkpoints, so errors propagate and judgment-based decisions are made by rule.

Observable symptoms

✓The problem recurs despite effort
✓No systematic approach to resolution
✓Manual workarounds that do not scale
✓Unclear ownership or accountability

Likely causes

✓No defined process for the problem
✓Manual handling that varies by person
✓No automation to enforce consistency
✓No review or measurement of outcomes

Required inputs

✓A defined process for the workflow
✓A system to track and enforce it
✓Clear ownership
✓Measurement of outcomes

Recommended workflow

Follow this sequence to address the problem systematically.

✓Map each workflow and identify decision points
✓Define which decisions require human review
✓Set review triggers and thresholds
✓Provide reviewers with context and authority
✓Log review decisions for accountability
✓Refine thresholds based on review outcomes

Automation boundaries

Automation triggers reviews and logs decisions. The review itself, the judgment, and the override require a person.

Human review requirements

A person reviews at each defined checkpoint, applies judgment, and is accountable for the decision.

Risks

Reviewing too much creates bottleneck; reviewing too little creates risk. Set thresholds based on the cost of an error.

Limitations

No workflow is perfect. Continuous review and refinement based on outcomes is essential to keep it effective.

Measurement criteria

Track the occurrence of the problem before and after, the time to resolution, and the outcomes of the workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which decisions need human review?

Those that affect customers, compliance, revenue, or relationships, and any where the cost of an error is high. Low-risk, repeatable decisions may not.