Be Systematic and Apply a Consistent Approach

  • There are few well-established systems for policy and plan monitoring and reporting, but there is a lot of monitoring and evaluation research to build on. The monitoring process includes:

    • being clear about the purpose and goals

    • stating what will be monitored and why

    • developing indicators

    • developing methodologies

    • consistent collection of data

    • analysing, interpreting and presenting information

    • reviewing the plan or delivery of implementation programmes as a result of this process and triggering a continuous review and reporting cycle

    • making policy changes and adjustments as necessary ie, taking action.

  • There is no one right approach to policy and plan effectiveness monitoring. The approach taken should be flexible.

  • Build on other agencies' policy and plan monitoring efforts.

  • Ensure the approach used is relevant to your situation.

  • Include both quantitative and qualitative assessments (use multiple methods and triangulate the results for greater confidence when making inferences).

  • Include questions about WHY, HOW, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN to monitor. Thresholds are an important consideration in defining and answering these questions.

  • Develop a commonly used terminology and language.

  • Have a good project management process.