Protocols for Completing Function 4

Function 4 ensures technical rigour and neutrality of analysis as well as learning for future improvements. These are achieved through self-assessments and, if necessary, external quality reviews. By completing Function 4, analysts assess to what extent they have followed all IPC protocols included in Functions 1, 2 and 3, and identify areas for future improvements. If all 13 protocols are followed, the resulting product can be labelled as IPC. Therefore, by inserting the IPC logo on a report, the Technical Working Group recognizes its accountability, confirming that classification was based on consensual and unbiased analysis developed according to IPC protocols.

Further to Function 4, the IPC initiative aims to support countries to produce analyses that meet high- quality standards. To this end, the IPC Quality and Support Strategy has been developed around three additional components: (i) Capacity Development; (ii) Country Technical, Implementation and Strategic Support; and (iii) Technical Standards and Guidelines. 

There are two protocols for Function 4: the first focuses on self-assessment and the second entails requesting and engaging in an external quality review if deemed necessary (Table 30).