Charter of Good Management Practice

An official Cochrane policy. Last updated January 2017.

In January 2017 Cochrane’s Governing Board confirmed that the principles contained within the Charter of Good Management Practice will be expected of the Directors and managers of all Cochrane Groups; giving all those who work within the Groups a framework for what they can expect to see in the behaviours and approaches of their Cochrane leaders and managers. The Board wants to ensure that Cochrane increasingly exhibits a culture of mutual accountability, transparency, respect and excellence in management behaviours. These Principles are:

"The nature of Cochrane’s work, and of our extensive network of staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, mean that Cochrane’s staff work in a demanding, multicultural, and diverse environment. Honesty, integrity, and trust, together with the display and maintenance of high standards of professional conduct and competence, lie at the heart of best practice in management and leadership. Cochrane expects its managers to display these principles and standards in their working relationships with team members, other colleagues, and stakeholders; and in their management and leadership activities undertaken on behalf of Cochrane.

The management of Cochrane is based on the following principles:

  • Adherence at all times to behaviour and decision-making in accord with Cochrane’s mission and principles.
  • Working to the highest standards of excellence in order to deliver quality products and services to our users, partners, and other stakeholders.
  • A commitment to providing these products and services with the highest degree of efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness to provide maximum impact on health decision-making.
  • A commitment to transparency, openness, and accountability in our relationships, communication, and actions.
  • Promoting regular participation in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation.
  • Embracing the diversity of thought and perspective represented by all within Cochrane; and encouraging employees and collaborators to offer and use all of their knowledge, skills, and experience.

These principles apply to all those managing others in Cochrane. The whole Charter will be implemented by Cochrane’s Senior Management Team, and all its provisions will apply to Cochrane’s Central Executive Team. The Board has asked Cochrane’s Central Executive to monitor the organization’s adherence to and effectiveness of the Charter in the coming years.

Download Charter of Good Management Practice