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.
