We're really pleased to bring you a new Upshot series providing you with ideas, tips and resources to support your organisation with monitoring, evaluation and learning.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) can often seem more complicated than it is. At Upshot we support organisations large and small; some are just starting to plan their outcomes, indicators and processes – others already have some pieces in place – all want to measure and show their impact.
In this series, each Monday we want to share some thoughts and ideas on how you can place MEL at the heart of your organisation and all the benefits this brings.
In the pack you will find 5 posters:
Discuss, share with the team – and please do give us your feedback and share your ideas with us at info@upshot.org.uk.
What Goes Around Comes Around
The Cycle of MEL
MEL works as a continuous cycle; the learning stage fuels the better planning for the next cycle of activity.
This is why effective MEL in practice is so powerful; once embedded it can provide endless benefit to your organisation…
Fail to plan, plan to fail!
Your data collection
It’s very easy to become lost in data – there’s so much going on! This can lead to time, resources and effort being misplaced and ultimately, a much less clear vision of your impact.
Planning will allow you to clearly define the areas of data that need to be monitored and evaluated to show your impact.
This in turn will enable real, honest insights; showing off strengths while also identifying weaknesses that can be worked on to benefit your organisation and your beneficiaries as a whole.
Data, data everywhere!
Different types of data
There are many different types of data in any given situation. What is available; what do we need and what do we need to do in order to collect data efficiently?
It’s a good idea to think about who is going to collect your data and what situation they will be in – surrounded by participants and engrossed in delivery of an activity? How can technology make a difference?
Expect the unexpected!
Outcomes: different types
It is helpful to recognise the different outcomes that your actions produce. MEL will become most beneficial when applied not just to the obvious and intended positive outcomes, but when used to identify unintended and negative outcomes as well.
By being open to this, MEL will become your tool for organisational growth, as well as a method of recognising your success.
Your MEL checklist
7 key principles
Understanding the principles of a process goes a long way to understanding the process itself.
In the whirlwind of activity we often find ourselves in, it can really help sometimes to take a breath and consider some of the key principles – so here are your 7 touchstones to keep you grounded!
