The Star Chamber Scrutiny Board (SCSB) is responsible for day-to-day decision-making on all data and information-gathering exercises. Should any disagreements arise from policy teams about a decision taken by the SCSB on a proposed exercise, the policy team must first discuss the matter with the Star Chamber secretariat to try and resolve the disputed decision.

Unresolved disputed decisions

If there continues to be a dispute about a decision, it will then be considered in correspondence by the Star Chamber board listed below, drawing in other expertise if appropriate.

Star Chamber board

Olivia McLeod – DfE Director of Supporting Delivery Group
Marcus Bell – DfE Director of Teachers Group
Jude Hillary – DfE Head of Statistical Profession
Either Chris Spencer – recently Director of Children's Services, London Borough of Hillingdon, or David Taylor - Director of Children's Services, Shropshire LA

Basis for an appeal

  • Any cases where policy teams believe they have strong grounds for exemption or a relaxation to Star Chamber guidance.
  • Any cases where policy teams have good reason to believe the Star Chamber Scrutiny Board has not acted reasonably in carrying out its functions. This may include a significant misunderstanding of facts or the wider policy context.

How to appeal

  • Appeals against SCSB decisions must be channelled through the Star Chamber secretariat.
  • The policy team should forward a note of appeal to the secretariat, setting out point-by-point the reasons for the appeal (no more than two pages).
  • The Star Chamber board will consider the appeal, reviewing the policy team's template and any further relevant information. The secretariat will copy to the policy team the documents sent to the board.
  • The board will require ten working days to respond to any such appeals.

Decisions taken by the board will be conveyed to the policy section by the Star Chamber secretariat. Decisions will be binding, both on the policy team and the Star Chamber. If the board is unable to reach a decision, a nominated minister, presently Elizabeth Truss, will act as the 'final arbiter'.