1.1.2 Editor in Chief/Cochrane Editorial Unit

This section updated by the Cochrane Operations Unit on 15 March 2011, by adding sub-section 1.1.2.1 - Cochrane Library Oversight Committee.

The role of Editor in Chief (EiC) was established in January 2009. It is a full-time leadership position within the Collaboration. The Cochrane Editorial Unit (CEU) is based in London, England.

Working closely with the editorial teams of Cochrane Review Groups, the EiC is responsible for:

• developing, implementing, and directing the editorial policies and vision of The Cochrane Library in relation to the vision and objectives of the Collaboration;

•  improving the quality in the editing process and product with respect to scientific content;

• providing a strong and visionary lead for conceptualising and developing new products derived from Cochrane Reviews; and

• acting as the main focus for this work, and for applying ethical and scientific standards consistent with the goals of the Collaboration.

The EiC is accountable to the Cochrane Collaboration Steering Group (CCSG) for the delivery of a high-quality product (The Cochrane Library) in line with the Collaboration's mission, ethos and agreed standards. He has executive authority over what is published in The Cochrane Library, and attends the CCSG's face-to-face meetings and teleconferences to report on progress.

The Co-ordinating Editors (forming the Co-ordinating Editors' Board, represented by the Co-ordinating Editors' executive) are accountable to the EiC for the quality and delivery of the Cochrane Systematic Reviews produced through their editorial bases, and for the editorial processes used to develop and deliver these.

Methodologists and other scientific and technical experts are responsible to the CCSG for ensuring that the EiC receives good advice on the scientific and technical components of Cochrane Systematic Reviews; the EiC is accountable to the CCSG for ensuring that this advice is given proper weight within the overall aim of publishing high quality output.

Business and finance (including profit and loss) responsibility for the Collaboration's core functions rests with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who remains accountable for these areas of responsibility. The EiC works closely with the CEO to ensure an effective interface between operational, business, finance, scientific and technical responsibilities, while respecting the collaborative nature of the organisation's ethos and working practices.