CARB meaning

A Corrective Action Review board (CARB) is an internal governance forum used to oversee root‑cause analysis and to approve, prioritise and monitor corrective (and often preventive) actions after incidents, non‑compliance, service failures or product defects. In legal practice, CARBs commonly arise in outsourcing and IT contracts, quality management, data protection breaches, health and safety incidents, regulatory remediation and investigations. The term is not defined in UK or Irish legislation or case law; it is a descriptive organisational label, often embedded in policies or ISO‑based systems (for example, ISO 9001/27001) and sometimes incorporated contractually. Typical features include senior, cross‑functional membership (operations, risk, compliance and legal), defined terms of reference, authority to require rectification, oversight of root‑cause analysis, approval of CAPA plans, and reporting to executive or board level. Practical significance for legal professionals includes the evidential value of CARB minutes, action logs and decisions in disputes, audits and regulatory enquiries, and the need to manage confidentiality and potential legal privilege. Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland; regulators (for example, FCA/PRA, ICO, HSE, MHRA/HPRA) expect robust remediation governance, though a “CARB” is not mandated. Contracts may specify a CARB (or equivalent) to review and approve corrective action...