This chapter explains the role technical review can play in supporting learning and improvement of impact assessments over time. Reviews can also help to enhance transparency, trust and confidence in the implementation of policies and actions and reporting of their impacts. This chapter should be read to understand whether to use the guide.

This chapter introduces key concepts contained in the guide, provides an overview of the steps involved in the technical review of assessment reports, and outlines the principles to help guide the technical review.

This section describes the three approaches for conducting technical review provided in the guide and helps the user select the type of technical review that fits their objectives. Chapter 4 provides guidance to the user and technical reviewer on the qualifications that are important to have in a technical review team.

This chapter helps users determine what their objectives are for technical review. Technical reviews are structured to meet the specific objectives of the user. They can focus on learning and improvement, increasing transparency of reported impact assessments, or both. Determining the technical review objectives is an important first step, since the design of the technical review will be guided by the identified objectives. Once the objectives are established, the appropriate criteria, scope and type of technical review can be determined.

Chapter 6 helps the user to prepare the information and evidence necessary for the technical review. Guidance is also provided to the reviewer for preparing a proposal for the review and to the user for selecting a reviewer. Chapter 7 provides guidance to both the user and reviewer as technical review planning is a joint effort. The user’s objectives, as well as the established criteria and scope of the review, inform the reviewer’s activities and schedule.

This chapter provides guidance on active dissemination to stakeholders and passive public disclosure of information that stakeholders need to be able to participate effectively to support policy design, implementation and assessment. Effective participation requires an understanding of the issues based on good information and informed stakeholders provide richer and more effective input.

Reporting on the technical review process and results provides users and stakeholders with assurance that the technical review plan has been followed and explains and justifies any changes made to the assessment report as a result of the technical review. Technical review reports also document the areas of an assessment report that could be strengthened, thereby contributing to enhanced future assessments. Reporting on technical review combined with reporting on the impacts of the policy can further build support for the policy, among the public, specific stakeholder groups and donors. This chapter discusses the information that is recommended to be included in a technical review report and an assessment report regarding the technical review.