Roles and Responsibilities

Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief sets the journal’s scholarly direction, supervises editorial standards, oversees complaints and safeguards the integrity of the published record. The role includes ensuring that conflicted submissions are handled independently.

Handling editors

Handling editors assess scope and readiness for review, select suitably qualified reviewers, consider reports and author responses, and issue reasoned recommendations or decisions within their delegated authority. They must recuse themselves where independence could reasonably be questioned.

Editorial board members

Board members contribute subject expertise, advise on policy and journal development, and may handle submissions or review manuscripts when appropriately appointed. Membership does not confer preferential publication treatment.

Reviewers

Reviewers provide confidential, evidence-based assessments, disclose competing interests and identify limitations, errors or relevant missing scholarship. Reviewers advise; editorial responsibility for the decision remains with the editor.

Publisher and editorial office

The publisher and office support communication, production and record management. Administrative staff must protect manuscript confidentiality and may not promise acceptance or alter scholarly decisions for commercial reasons.