The Secretariat staff bring institutional memory ("How is this done in other centers?''), reflect needs of CGIAR members, advise on assessment methods given past experience, and contribute to maintaining a high standard across reviews. These are roles only experienced 'insiders' can play, and these roles are important for the success of the review.
The staff from the TAC and the CGIAR Secretariat assigned to a review are not panel members. They provide support to the panel in the above noted areas and in areas the Panel Chair asks for their assistance. This assistance could include commenting on drafts, assisting with drafts of panel members, particularly when they have problems writing in the English language, and preparing drafts of some sections for the consideration of the panel. However, in all cases, the assistance provided is at the request of the Panel Chair. If substantive suggestions are made by a Secretariat staff, they are subject to discussion and endorsement by the panel.
These norms are discussed with the Panel Chair prior to the review and with the panel members during their briefing. All understand that adherence to certain norms is essential for maintaining the independence of a review.
Panel Chairs are de-briefed by TAC and the CGIAR Secretariat (who commission the reviews) about the review process, including the roles played by Secretariat staff. What is learned is used to modify the review process.
A briefing of the CGIAR Chair by the Chair of each review about the panel's findings and recommendations (including recommendations on the review process) would enable the CGIAR Chair to gain a first hand impression of each review and blend this information with other information in guiding the discussions of the Group. As much of the discussion of reviews is handled in parallel sessions of the CGIAR in the absence of the CGIAR Chair, such briefings would be another important source of information about the functioning of the System.
