Monitoring Evaluation Accountability & Learning
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability & Learning
MEAL—Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning—is a CRS core competency that is pivotal to the design and implementation of high-impact programs.
About the Program
Foster Inclusion, Equity, and Accountability
MEAL—Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning—is a CRS core competency that is pivotal to the design and implementation of high-impact programs.
Our Impact
Global Results
Introduced in 2020, CRS Global Results demonstrate how each program, country and region contributes to the CRS Vision 2030 strategy for transformational change at scale. These results inform the agency about the effectiveness of our work so that we can ensure impactful change at scale, demonstrate the agency’s ability to save and change lives, and reflect how the Vision 2030 strategy contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Participant & Service Delivery Indicators (PSDI)
Accurate data on the services that are delivered to project participants is essential to gauging how projects and emergency responses are meeting their commitments to the people they serve. PSDI allows CRS to estimate the annual reach of ongoing activities. This data can be viewed at a global level to see trends over time, or at a project level to understand how many project participants receive CRS services each year.
MEAL Policies and Procedures
Monitoring
Evaluation
Accountability
Learning
MEAL Policies and Procedures
Quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) is fundamental to placing data in the hands of decision-makers and meeting stakeholders’ information needs. CRS’ approach is articulated in a series of MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPPs). Spanning the entire project cycle from design to close-out, the 10 policies define the CRS MEAL standard and procedures define what steps are required to meet each standard. The MPPs apply to all programming, from the simple to the complex, and in development and emergency settings. See the brief orientation video below for more information.
Compliance Highlights
Compliance - Fiscal Year 2015
Compliance - Fiscal Year 2022
Compliance - Fiscal Year 2023
Where We Work
Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.
Key Tools and Initiatives
The following MEAL Tools and Key Initiatives are intended to provide our partners, prospective donors, and MEAL staff a better understanding of CRS’ approaches, and aim to contribute to MEAL efforts in the global humanitarian and development sector.
Human Resources For Meal (HR4MEAL)
CRS has developed a compilation of resources designed to improve the quality and outcomes of human resources activities in MEAL, that we refer to as HR4MEAL. Attracting, hiring and managing good MEAL staff—at every level, from field staff to MEAL directors—who are content and fulfilled in their work at CRS.
Learn More arrow_right_altMeal Dpro
MEAL DPro is a comprehensive orientation for entry-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) specialists and program staff on MEAL throughout the project cycle.
Add Link arrow_right_altICT4MEAL
ICT4MEAL is the utilization of information communication technologies (ICT) for MEAL systems. ICT4MEAL emphasizes collaboration and coordination between MEAL, programs, and ICT4D staff and partners globally, capitalizing on staff and partner experiences and expertise to create strong networks of knowledge and skill sharing. Together we develop and share tools and templates; test and implement new hardware and software; and provide training in person or online to improve CRS staff capacities in digital MEAL.
Learn More arrow_right_altSMILER+
CRS believes that MEAL systems must be grounded in project design, built by MEAL and program staff with participation from partner organizations and key stakeholders, and updated during implementation as activities progress and information needs evolve. CRS’ SMILER+ is a participatory process that enables teams to develop MEAL systems that are responsive to context and contribute to adaptive program management.
Add Link arrow_right_altFeedback Complaints & Response Mechanism
CRS has developed guidance to strengthen feedback, complaints and response mechanisms, or FCRMs, across all programs, responses and contexts. FCRMs help ensure programmatic and operational decisions are informed by local perspectives and priorities, and they contribute to the protection and safeguarding of program participants from harmful impacts and conduct. It is relevant for field staff to operationalize and senior leadership to create a strong enabling environment for FCRMs. The guide is accompanied by 12 hands-on tools which are accessible within the PDF itself.
Add Link arrow_right_altEvaluative Thinking For Adaptive Management
CRS recognizes that change we seek in our programs is not linear but more dynamic, reflective and responsive. Evaluative Thinking (ET) is defined as critical thinking in the context of M&E motivated by an attitude of inquisitiveness and a belief in the value of evidence. The evaluative thinking workshop series is designed to promote ET across an organization and, in turn, increase the quality and efficiency of program planning and MEAL work generally.
Add Link arrow_right_altSensemaker
CRS has recognized that the way people tell stories can uncover rich information about their lived experience. This knowledge can be contextualized by identifying patterns, a process which is facilitated by polling data and analyzing it together. Sensemaker is a complexity-aware, narrative-based method that can be used to conduct assessments, monitoring, evaluations, and research studies. In SenseMaker data analysis is based on narratives that respondents share and to which they give additional meaning. It recognizes that personal narratives allow better insights that can help contextualize knowledge. To learn more about the method and decide if it is a good fit for the purpose, use the links below:
Add Link arrow_right_altMeasuring Respect for Dignity Among Staff
Upholding the dignity inherent in every human being is central to CRS’ mission and values. CRS programs are designed to respect the dignity of participants. Within our teams and systems, we also aim to uphold the dignity of our employees. This is important in and of itself and also helps foster a culture and environment for upholding the dignity of program participants and partners. CRS developed the Human Dignity Index (HDI) to measure the extent to which the dignity of our staff is respected and to track changes and identify gaps that need to be addressed. Other organizations can use the HDI to understand, track and improve the extent to which human dignity is respected in the workplace. Measuring Respect for Dignity in the Workplace: Guidance on using the Human Dignity Index provides guidance on applying the Human Dignity Index among staff and responding to results.
Add Link arrow_right_alt01/08
Stay Updated
Program News & Articles
With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.
Turn dollars into change.
Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover the stories of hope and resilience across the globe.