Verified inputs → controlled execution → independently checked outputs → governed approval → justified reliance.
Gate 1 — Input
Check whether sources, data and instructions are authorised, current, complete enough and suitable for the intended purpose.
Gate 2 — Execution
Confirm that agents, tools, permissions and workflow routes operate within defined limits, with stopping and escalation conditions.
Gate 3 — Verification
Check important claims, evidence, calculations and outputs. Use independent methods or reviewers where the consequence of error is material.
Gate 4 — Governance
Confirm that policy, risk, accountability, documentation and approval requirements have been met.
Gate 5 — Reliance
Determine whether the result is fit for its intended decision. Consider uncertainty, error consequences and whether human judgement remains necessary.
Why five gates?
Separating the gates prevents a good-looking output from bypassing weaknesses earlier in the chain. A result cannot be made reliable merely by adding approval at the end.
Revision history
Version 1.0 — 26 July 2026: Initial publication.