This policy establishes the expectations around communication channels for Cochrane Geographic Groups.  

Structure

Cochrane Geographic Groups serve as the coordinating hubs for Cochrane’s presence in specific countries or regions. These groups are currently categorized into four types: Affiliates, Cochrane Centres, and Networks.  

All communications

All Geographic Groups must:

• adhere to Cochrane branding and communications guidelines, including:
  • Branding guidelines
  • Standards for group social media accounts, social media content guidance, guidance on getting and selecting photos
  • Guidance on managing Cochrane websites
• ensure coordination with central Cochrane communications where relevant.
• ensure activities support Cochrane’s mission and reputation.
• maintain regular and active communication channels; inactive channels will be removed or retired.

Branding and identity

Only Cochrane Centres and Cochrane Networks are permitted to have their own logos.

Affiliates should not use independent logos, they should use the logo of their overarching Centre or Network.

Exceptions might be made if the only group in a country is an Affiliate and they are expected to evolve to Centres after some time. If an Affiliate is granted a logo, they would be expected to share it with other affiliates that join, as Centres do.

Websites

Affiliates and Groups formerly known as Associate Centres:

• May maintain their own web presence only if they are not part of a Centre. They should not maintain independent websites unless they have been granted their own logo, as part of the exception above.
• Their information should be hosted on the relevant Centre or Network website.

Cochrane Centres:

• May maintain their own web presence only if they are not part of a Network.
• If part of a Network, all web content should be centralized on the Network’s website.

Cochrane Networks:

• Can maintain a centralized website representing all affiliated groups.

Groups who are able to have a web presence may have:

• a page on cochrane.org. This is our preferred option. It will be maintained by the central Cochrane team, who will be in touch regularly to check for updates. (Example)
• an independent Cochrane site. This is only permitted if the Group’s communication plan justifies it. It requires the Centre team to have the capacity and skills to manage and update the website. (Example)

Any groups managing or expecting to manage a website need to accept the responsibility of maintaining an active website with relevant information and following all the active branding guidelines and management guidance. In some cases, a communications plan might be required to justify the existence of an independent website.

Social media

Cochrane Centres and Networks:

• May operate their own social media channels in accordance with our guidance.

Cochrane Affiliates and Groups formerly know Associate Centres:

• May operate channels only where explicitly approved and aligned with their Centre or Network governance.
• All communications should be delivered via the overseeing Centre or Network to ensure consistency and quality. Otherwise, communications should be centralized.

Groups who are able to have a social media presence may choose to have accounts on any of the major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Facebook, YouTube) or to have accounts on regional social media channels. We ask that they follow our guidance and notify us before setting up any accounts.