System for reviewing goals: independent, competent, flexible (8)
I believe the answer is:
variable
'flexible' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'system for reviewing goals independent competent' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'independent' could be 'i' and 'i' is found within the answer.
'competent' could be 'able' (similar in meaning) and 'able' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'var' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for variable that I've seen before include "Liable to change" , "mathematician's expression" , "Changeable or inconstant" , "Fickle" , "can be changed" .)