The Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations (CRRDC) was established as a collective body to represent the interests of all Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). The CRRDC developed and issued the CRRDC Impact Assessment Guidelines (the Guidelines), a set of guidelines that provide a standardised approach for measuring and reporting on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of RDC-funded R&D projects. 

ACIL Allen was engaged to conduct the 2025 Refresh of the Guidelines, consisting of a review of the current Guidelines and Management Procedures, to develop findings and recommendations for consideration by the CRRDC, informing possible amendments to existing Guidelines and Procedures to ensure continued transparency and accountability of the investments by the RDCs. This version 3 of the Guidelines is the outcome of this work and updates the earlier guidelines to reflect current practice and the broader use of the Guidelines outside of the Cross-RDC Impact Assessment Program.