The Inspection Panel at the World Bank : Operating Procedures

Overview & Synopsis

These Operating Procedures (Procedures) replace the Operating Procedures issued by the Inspection Panel (Panel) in 2014 and 2022. They provide details on how the Inspection Panel operates, and aim to make the process user-friendly, transparent, predictable and up-to-date. The Panel’s application of the 2025 AM Resolution, including through these Operating Procedures, is subject to the Executive Directors’ review. In the event of any potential inconsistencies between these Operating Procedures and the 2025 AM Resolution, the 2025 AM Resolution prevails. The text is organized in four sections: Section 1 provides a brief overview of the role of the Panel and key features of the Panel process. Section 2 explains how people who believe they are negatively affected by a project supported by the Bank may submit a Request for Inspection to the Panel regarding their concerns. Section 3 describes the main phases of the Panel process in response to a Request for Inspection, and explains the roles and responsibilities of the Requesters, the Panel, Management of the Bank, the Board, and the Borrower in each phase. Section 4 describes measures to make the Panel better known in borrowing countries, including outreach activities, and to facilitate learning for the institution based on lessons drawn from Panel cases through its advisory services.