Different Roles and Responsibilities of Reviewers

Key Roles in a Review Process

A formal review involves several distinct roles, each with specific responsibilities that keep the process structured and effective.

• Author: Creates the work product being reviewed and fixes defects found during the review.
• Moderator/Facilitator: Plans and leads the review meeting, keeps discussions on track, and ensures the process is followed (essential in inspections).
• Reviewer(s): Examine the work product from their own perspective (e.g., testing, technical, business) and identify defects or concerns.
• Scribe/Recorder: Documents all defects, issues, and decisions raised during the review meeting.
• Manager: Decides whether a review takes place, ensures resources and time are allocated, and may participate in follow-up decisions.

Why Clear Roles Matter

Assigning clear roles avoids confusion during the review meeting, ensures accountability for fixing defects, and keeps the discussion focused on finding issues rather than assigning blame.