Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
About the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Action Group
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Group was formed in 2024 to advise on and coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities. The responsibility of conducting M&E activities lies with VAP Groups and the Governance Group.
The MEL group provides an opportunity to learn from other VAP groups, identifies and agrees common issues and solutions and provides an environment for expert and peer support when needed. The MEL Group reports into the VAP Governance Group, who is responsible for signing off deliverables. The MEL group synthesises the various MEL outputs, including the MEL Templates.
The VAP MEL Steering Group is comprised of representatives with knowledge and expertise in evaluation who are involved in delivering VAP actions. This includes:
- Volunteer Scotland – representatives from the Research and Policy team
- Evaluation Support Scotland
- Scottish Government’s Third Sector Unit
Beyond this, the wider VAP MEL Group is made up of MEL Coordinators for respective VAP Groups.
As of September 2024, the MEL Group is working on an agreed Terms of Reference and developing a Theory of Change model to underpin M&E activities moving forward.
For more information about the MEL Group, contact Volunteer Scotland’s Research and Policy Manager, Bethany Sikes at bethany.sikes@volunteerscotland.org.uk