The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation

Aug 14, 2016 News

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Governments are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate results. It is expected of them to show that they are making a real difference to the lives of their people and that value for money has been delivered.

Citizens are no longer solely interested in the administration of laws but also in the services that are rendered. Critically, they are more than ever interested in outcomes, like the performance of the economy and the creation of jobs.
In this regard, the Government of Guyana has recognized that to ensure that tangible results are achieved, the way that it monitors, evaluates and reports on its policies, projects and programmes, is crucial.
This was acknowledged recently by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan as he addressed a workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Jordan was delighted to be delivering remarks at this Monitoring and Evaluation Training Workshop.
He recalled that in the 2015 Budget Speech to the National Assembly, and, as previously stated by His Excellency President Granger, under this Government, emphasis will be placed on building a robust public sector that places a premium on transparency and reporting for greater accountability and good governance.
The economist noted that while Monitoring and Evaluation is a relatively new management tool to Guyana, it has been recognized across the globe, in both developed and developing countries, as one of the most essential elements in ensuring effective public financial management.
As a country with limited financial resources, he said that the need to ensure value for money, through targeted and effective programming, becomes paramount.
Jordan said that it is the commitment of his Administration to ensure that M&E is institutionalized across the central government.
He said that throughout his own career, spanning over 30 years in public finance and related areas, he has always been and will continue to support all tools that allow for more effective public finance management.
The Minister of Finance articulated, “I understand that this is the 18th and 19th cohorts of public servants being trained in key concepts in M&E. I know that changing what is known as ‘the public service culture’ will take time.”
Jordan continued, “However, those who know me, know how impatient I am with getting results.  Therefore, in the pilot agencies – Health and Education – (which together account for nearly one-third of the 2016 Budget), as well as the other agencies that have already been exposed, I will be looking for sector-wide adoption of the tools acquired.”
He added, “I intend to not only champion the utility of M&E under this Administration, but also to advance this line with my Cabinet colleagues and all Ministers. For you, and the almost 900 public servants at the workshop, I urge that a special session be arranged and devoted to showcasing the changes you have been able to make in the institutions and programmes that you represent, as a result of exposure to this training.”
Furthermore, the economist said that his administration has pledged greater accountability and transparency to the people of this country, and intends to ensure that we deliver on these promises.
The Finance Minister said that the population deserves no less. He emphasized that people must enjoy well delivered services for the taxes that they pay. He said, too, that it is the job of public servants to ensure they serve creditably and effectively.
Jordan noted that there may be missteps along the way, but it should never be in doubt, as Government intends to uphold the highest tenets of good governance and open government.
He recalled also that during his 2015 Budget, he addressed issues of strengthened public administration, in which he emphasised the need for faster, smarter and more effective systems.
Jordan said that to make this a reality, it will depend on the public servants to change the way they work and deliver services to the public.
He explained, “For example, I have already tasked one of the key institutions under my remit, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), to become less desk-bound in their approach to tax collection and to go out and collect the taxes from those noncompliant individuals and companies, in order to effectively discharge their responsibility as a Revenue Authority.”
The Finance Minister asserted that the Government intends to be evidence-driven in its decision-making and policy development, strategic in its thinking and planning and, importantly, data-driven in its actions.
In respect to the latter, Jordan revealed that Government has taken immediate action already to ensure that the Bureau of Statistics can execute one of its mandates of making reliable data available to the population to drive informed policy development and decision-making.
He said that the words “I think” and “I feel” have no place in guiding policy implementation.
The economist said, “We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result; implementing programmes without data and evidence is simply shooting in the dark. In other words, wasting resources.”
He continued, “We need to stop guessing and become analytical as officers responsible for delivering services to the public; we need to be informed about our target group and design policies and programmes to address the needs of the public in practical and effective ways.  When you provide advice to your seniors and supervisors and policy makers, it must be data-driven.”
The Finance Minister emphasized that Monitoring and Evaluation must be viewed within the wider context of results-based management, and within the national context; good governance and accountability will guide the outputs and outcomes of Budget Agencies.
He noted that the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) of 2003 speaks of the Programme Performance Statements being submitted by the Budget Agencies.
Jordan said, “If you are part of Government, then please ensure that you read and internalise at least this section of the Act.  I am aware that many of you join the public service and never make an effort to become familiar with the FMAA. This has to change.”
Going forward, he said that the Ministry of Finance will be looking to expand its actions in the area of M&E.
He said that these will include finalizing and disseminating the national policies to guide the conduct of monitoring and evaluation across central government, thereby ensuring standardization in the conduct of M&E functions; adequately staffing the core M&E unit at Ministry and the focal points at the sector ministries to ensure effective implementation and roll-out of the plan; and expanding training in M&E beyond the basic level to intermediate and advanced levels.
In short, he said that it is all geared towards firmly institutionalizing the culture of M&E across all Government funded programmes and projects.

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