C. Gathering and assessing information 1. INFORMATION COLLECTION It is vital to develop a systematic approach to the collection, recording and storage of information to ensure that: • Information is collected efficiently, limiting the time, money and other resources spent and focusing resources on achieving the investigation tasks. • Information is collected effectively, focusing on identified priorities. • Information is recorded accurately and stored in a format that is easily retrievable, especially for analysis. (a) Documenting the source Regardless of who collects information, where it is collected or how it is collected, the first step is to document details of collection. As a minimum, the following information should be recorded: • Time, date and place obtained; • From whom it was obtained; • Who received it; • Notes regarding origin and validity; • A unique number assigned to identify the information. (b) Information collection plan One of the first steps after the adoption of an investigation plan is to carefully plan the collection of information to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. An information collection plan will also ensure that information that is important or critical to the investigations is not missed or overlooked. The plan is likely to change as information is gathered: the secretariat analyst may identify gaps or redirect the investigation, new leads may become known, different sources of information may become available, victims, witnesses or sources that were identified may not provide the information expected. The information collection plan sets out collection tasks or activities that need to be undertaken and the time frame within which these have to be completed. The plan has to specify: • The information requirements of the investigation; • What information is needed to meet these requirements; 40 COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY AND FACT-FINDING MISSIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW