When planning a monitoring and evaluation framework there is a natural tendency to jump in and firstly consider what methods of data collection (or indicators) will be used. However, it is important that first you focus on clarifying the purpose of the monitoring and evaluation and on develop key evaluation questions (KEQ’s). Therefore, choosing the methods is a good place not to start! Instead we suggest that you spend time learning about your program and considering the purpose for which it is to be evaluated - and then develop a monitoring and evaluation framework.

The purpose of the monitoring and evaluation framework (also known as a Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting for Improvement (MERI) plan) to provide a set of processes that will help program teams to:

• provide performance information to help make decisions - e.g. to inform the planning cycle and to improve programming
• demonstrate the contribution of the program towards broader goals
• be accountable to funders and community stakeholders
• effectively manage reporting processes

We believe that your monitoring and evaluation framework should be a dynamic document that evolves as more detailed information comes to hand.

A Clear Horizon, we have developed and successfully used a seven step process to developing a monitoring and evaluation framework. As with our general approach to evaluation, we prefer to develop frameworks in a collaborative way that ensures ownership by those who will ultimately use the information.

Step One: Scope the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

Step Two: Clarify the logic

Step Three: Revise/set Measures of Success

Step Four: Develop a Meaningful Monitoring System

Step five. Consider Strategic Evaluation Studies

Step Six. Ensure Effective Reporting

Step Seven: Incorporate Reflection, Learning and Improvement Strategies

What can Clear Horizon offer?

Clear Horizon consultants have a wealth of experience designing and developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. We have been involved in the design of frameworks for a whole range of initiatives from project level to frameworks for whole state government departments. The first step to any good M&E framework is to clearly articulate the logic for the intervention. At Clear Horizon we use a number of different types of logic, and believe it is
important to work with the client’s current framework where possible. In some sectors we apply context specific logic such as in Natural Resource Management (NRM), which can then be used as a the spine of the Monitoring and Evaluation framework.

Clear Horizon consultants either work with clients (in-house) to facilitate the development of an M&E framework via workshop processes, or we can provide training to your staff in how to develop the framework themselves. Either way, we don’t believe in simply walking away once the job is done, but can also offer follow-up mentoring and support during the implementation of your framework. We encourage a periodic review such as an ‘annul reflection’ during which data is presented against the logic and the framework is tested and reviewed so that improvements can be made throughout the lifetime of an initiative. Each time this is done the type of data that is being collected becomes better and better!!!

We also run a number of public training modules relevant to developing frameworks so don’t forget to check our training page.