About us
Purpose
The purpose of the Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) is to develop and implement procedures to ensure that WHO guidelines are based on the best available evidence and are produced in ways consistent with internationally accepted best practices.
Both WHO staff members and external individuals possessing qualifications and/or experience relevant and useful to the activities of the Committee may be considered for appointment to the GRC by the Director-General. Membership includes staff from headquarters as well as representatives from each regional office. In the selection of members, the Director-General ensures diversity of knowledge, experience and perspectives, as well as gender balance.
Roles and responsibilities of GRC members
The Committee defines the standards and methods for all guidelines that are funded, developed, issued, or otherwise supported by WHO, and provides oversight of all guidelines produced at WHO.
The terms of reference of the GRC are to:
- define appropriate and standardized processes and tools for guideline development, including standardized formats and templates for different types of guidelines;
- ensure that all guidelines comply with the WHO handbook for guideline development by providing advice and guidance throughout the planning and content development process, formalized in the planning and executive clearance of WHO guidelines;
- ensure that WHO staff members responsible for developing guidelines have appropriate opportunities to increase their knowledge of – and ability to apply – current methods in guideline development, in collaboration with the Global Learning Committee;
- collaborate with other organizations and international networks that have methodological expertise and skills in relation to guideline development, adaptation and implementation.
Secretariat
The Secretariat of the GRC is located within the Methods and Standards Team (SCI/QNS/MST) and has the following terms of reference:
- provide secretarial and administrative support to the work of the GRC;
- organization of appropriate training on guideline production for WHO Staff Members;
- coordinate and provide support to departments producing guidelines;
- coordinate collaboration with external organizations and networks that have methodological expertise and skills in guideline development.
Contact of GRC Secretariat
