3.2.2.8 The Co-ordinating Editor

It is essential in the development phase of forming a Cochrane Review Group that there is a leader for the project who is potentially prepared to become its Co-ordinating Editor. This person must understand what the job entails, be able to raise the resources necessary to establish a stable editorial base, and must have the necessary social, managerial, scientific and editorial skills to maintain the Cochrane Review Group. It is important that they have an institutional base. University and hospital departments are examples of such institutions. A significant time commitment is required. The nature of the work changes through the various stages before and after registration, and then into the active work of the Group – producing and updating reviews. An absolute minimum of one full day per week will be required. The Co-ordinating Editor has particular responsibility for preparing the registration document in association with the potential editorial team. Pulling together an editorial team is another task, and it is essential that representation is both multi-disciplinary and international. Once the Cochrane Review Group has become established, the Co-ordinating Editor will be the member of the editorial team who will retain primary responsibility for ensuring that the Group is productive and efficient, and operates according to the principles of The Cochrane Collaboration.