Background
A review of Cochrane’s governance arrangements in 2023 concluded that formal governance and informal groups, bodies and entities have become increasingly complicated over time. The aim of enabling participation has led to the proliferation of groups and committees and the role and purpose of some has become unclear.
The former Council
The Council, that was established in 2017 as a forum for Cochrane communities to consider high-level matters affecting Cochrane as a whole and to raise matters with the Board on behalf of Cochrane’s communities was attempting to fulfil a wide range of functions. Some groups that existed when Council was created had been transformed, the groups varied in size and the process for becoming a member of Council was different depending on the group or constituency.
The Future Engagement Mechanisms Working Group
The Governing Board agreed that new ways of listening to and working with people from across Cochrane's diverse community should be explored and that two way engagement between the central organization and the Community needed improving and enriching.
A working group made up of members of the former Council and the Governing Board was established and met in December 2023, February 2024 and June 2024. See the updates here Changes to the Cochrane Council | Cochrane Community and here Future Engagement Mechanisms Working Group | Cochrane Community.
Recommendations from the Working Group
The working group developed a proposal (a Framework for Engagement that recommended creating a number of different ‘spaces’ for engagement ) which the Governing Board considered in September 2024. The Governing Board agreed that the Framework for Engagement provides a useful way forward and noted that there are significant similarities between this Framework and Cochrane’s organisational plans for engagement with the wider Cochrane Community. As noted by the Working Group, a one size fits all approach to improving engagement with members at all levels and in all groups is not the right one. Future plans include:
A Community of Practice
Co-ordinating Editors and other members the remaining CRGs and Thematic Group representatives discussed the establishment of a Community of Practice during the Global Evidence Summit in Prague. This forum for Cochrane groups involved in developing reviews creates a mechanism for improving communication and breaking down silos.
Other ways of improving engagement and communications
Rob Beswick, Head of Membership, Learning and Support is working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and improve ways of keeping our large and diverse community engaged and up to date. One example is the new members’ newsletter which includes information about ways to engage with Cochrane, expert insights, and global health news. Other planned activities are in the pipeline and will be shared with members soon.
The Governing Board is grateful for the time that members of the Working Group dedicated to exploring new and improved ways of communicating and engaging within the Cochrane Collaboration. Thank you to all members of the Working Group for their hard work and dedication.
Dr Susan Phillips
Chair of the Governing Board