222. The Chair introduced this item by noting that at MTM'95, the Group had asked TAC to report at ICW'95 on the question of consistency across timing of external reviews and to provide feedback on the guidelines for reviews. TAC's report was also to address whether reviews were transparent enough in the sense of giving Centres frank criticism of their programmes and management. The Chair welcomed comments on this suggestion as input to TAC's preparation of its report.
223. Dr. Gregersen, Chair of TAC's Standing Committee on External Reviews, opened the discussion by observing that a detailed inter-Secretariat paper on reviews prepared for ICW'94 had significantly advanced the discussion of review processes in the CGIAR, but that it had not specifically addressed the issue of consistency. With a view to incorporating this dimension, the TAC Secretariat had now surveyed the Centres and received some nine responses. The interim results suggested that the Centres perceived no problems of consistency, but felt that the continuity of the review process could be improved by briefing review teams more thoroughly and perhaps having an overlap in the membership of panels. On the question of candour, one TAC Member noted that there had been a number of quite critical reviews in the past which should be brought to Dr. Serageldin's attention. Another member doubted that extreme candour would be productive for outside audiences. Two donor representatives argued that reviews could be more candid; particularly sensitive issues might be reported in a confidential annex to review reports. A number of Centre Directors pointed out that special project reviews often done at the request of donors were particularly troublesome because reviewers were often unfamiliar with the CGIAR System and Centre mandates, leading to inconsistencies in results.
224. In closing this discussion, the Chair observed that few enterprises were reviewed as frequently and as well as the CGIAR, but that the process could be improved. TAC would consider this matter in closed session and formulate the modality of its response to the Chairman's request.
225. The TAC Chair will consult with the CGIAR Chair and Executive Secretary and report to the Group at ICW'95 on the issues raised as a result of the Committee's consideration of this item.
