Background: Cochrane has embarked on an important change programme to transform the way that we produce high-quality, independent and timely evidence. By 31 March 2024, the editorial process for all submitted protocols, reviews and updates will be managed centrally by the Central Editorial Service.

Objectives: To explain the rationale for and workings of the Central Editorial Service for both prospective authors and members of Cochrane entities.

Description: The Central Editorial Service currently handles the editorial process for most drafts submitted for publication in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). This will progress to all content from 31 March 2024. The separation of the process of producing Cochrane Reviews from the editorial process to assess their suitability for publication in the Cochrane Library represents a major change for Cochrane. This talk will explain the rationale for the Central Editorial Service, and the difference between the Central Editorial Service and a Cochrane Review Group, which remains an understandable source of confusion for many Cochrane contributors. The presentation will explain the editorial process from submission, editorial assessment and peer review to the final editorial decision We will also signpost to other Colloquium workshops that authors may find helpful in preparing their Cochrane Reviews.