Framework for Proportionality Criteria and Modalities for Independent Verification of Management Action Plan Implementation - Verification Framework

Jul 19, 2026

A framework sets out proportionality criteria and verification modalities for independent, risk-based assessment of Management Action Plan (MAP) implementation by the Inspection Panel and/or Group Internal Audit. It clarifies purpose, scope, and applicable MAPs following Inspection Panel requests registered after September 8, 2020. Principles distinguish progress tracking from terminal verification, require evidence-based assessment of completed actions, and establish efficiency through verification timelines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Principles for independent verification

Role of the Panel and GIA in verification

Scope of verification

Proportionality criteria and verification modality

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized February 3, 2021 Framework for Proportionality Criteria and Modalities for Independent Verification of Management Action Plan Implementation The framework for proportionality criteria and modalities for independent risk-based verification has been prepared for the Committee on Development Effectiveness’ and the Executive Directors’consideration by the Inspection Panel, Group Internal Audit (GIA) and Bank Management in accordance with the Inspection Panel Resolution, dated September 8, 2020. The framework also provides the steps that the Inspection Panel and GIA follow in recommending and carrying out verification of Management Action Plan implementation. Purpose 1. As set forth in paragraph 50 of the September 8, 2020, World Bank Inspection Panel Resolution (the “Panel Resolution”), the framework for proportionality criteria and modalities for verification, herein included, is elaborated by the Inspection Panel (the“Panel”), Bank Management and GIA. 1 2. Monitoring the implementation of a Management Action Plan (MAP) is the responsibility of Management.2 The Executive Directors may approve, as an additional reassurance tool for avoiding reputational risks, independent risk-based proportionate verification of the implementation of the MAP by the Panel and/or GIA.3 3. This independent verification tool is applicable to MAPs presented for Requests for Inspection registered by the Panel after September 8, 2020, the date of the approval of the Panel Resolution. Principles for independent verification 4. As set forth in paragraph 49 of the Panel Resolution: i) verification focuses solely on the Bank’s actions as outlined in the MAP, distinguishing between periodic tracking of progress and terminal verification; ii) verification assesses the status (including completion) of specific Management actions in the MAP based on appropriate evidence of implementation status; iii) to ensure efficiency of the verification process, it is important to have a timeline for verification based on timelines of agreed actions to avoid premature review of actions; and iv) there is a role for the Panel and/or GIA during the verification process that is consistent with their expertise and institutional roles. 1 Resolution No. IBRD 2020-0004, Resolution No. IDA 2020-0003, September 8, 2020 (the “Panel Resolution”) . 2 Panel Resolution, para. 47. 3 Panel Resolution, para. 48. Role of the Panel and GIA in verification 5. The Panel verifies the implementation of Management’s actions in the MAP that have been agreed between Management and the borrower, designed to address harm that occurred asa result of the Bank’s noncompliance.4 6. GIA verifies Management’s actions in the MAP that are intended to address the Bank’s governance, policy and procedures, and other internal operational arrangements for its oversight of environmental and social risks of Bank projects. GIA may also verify MAP actions at the project level if Management actions refer to internal policies and practices of the Bank.5 Scope of verification 7. Verification by the Panel and GIA focuses on the Management actions related to the specific concerns that form the basis of the Board’s decision to authorize verification. In recommending independent verification to the Executive Directors, the Panel, with input from GIA, describes the situation in response to the specific concerns identified. Proportionality criteria and verification modality 8. The framework for proportionality criteria and modalities for verification uses as a basis parameters that include: (i) urgency of redress,(ii) risk of repetitive harm,(iii) number and vulnerability of project-affected people, (iv) complexity of the case, and (v) risk of retaliation against Requesters.6 9. Based on the risk-based proportionality criteria, the modalities for verification and the above-mentioned roles, the Panel, with input from GIA, r

FAQs

What is the purpose of the proportionality criteria and verification framework?

It elaborates how the Inspection Panel, Bank Management, and Group Internal Audit carry out independent, risk-based verification of Management Action Plan implementation and how they recommend verification to the Executive Directors.

Which criteria determine the verification modality under the framework?

Urgency of redress, risk of repetitive harm, number and vulnerability of project-affected people, complexity of the case, and risk of retaliation against Requesters.

How do the indicators translate into verification steps like desk-based or site visits?

With 6 to 8 positive indicators, the recommendation includes a site visit; with 3 to 5 positive indicators, verification is desk-based; with up to 2 positive indicators, no recommendation is made to verify MAP implementation.

Jul 19, 2026

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