Provision of MERL Services for the Home Office's Global SOC Portfolio

Extension to the Itad-managed Provision of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Services for the Home Office's Global Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Portfolio Workstream 1 (W1): MEL Systems and Tools: We propose to build on the work undertaken in Year 3 to develop and roll-out a new MEL system for the portfolio. Activity will include: continuing to provide project onboarding support to implementing partners (IPs) across the portfolio; providing cross-cutting guidance to IPs particularly on gender equality and social inclusion, conflict and crime sensitivity, and political access and influence (PAI); providing support to programme managers (PMs) to implement the new MEL system, including around quarterly reporting, where required; and supporting PMs with the development and refresh of programme-level theories of change. Workstream 2 (W2): MEL capacity building: We propose to continue to provide MEL capacity building support to PMs and IPs to build confidence and capability around a range of aspects of MEL design and delivery. Activity will include: continuing to roll out MEL fundamentals training to PMs and IPs, as well as designing and delivering more advanced MEL training; and providing on-the-job training and mentoring support to PMs and IPs throughout the year. Workstream 3 (W3): Evaluation and Research: We propose to conduct a number of evaluations and research pieces during Year 4. This will include: additional project VfM assessments building on lessons from the UNODC pilot assessment; stage 2 of the portfolio evaluation with a focus on addressing a small number of priority learning questions for the portfolio, including around portfolio-level VfM; a new thematic evaluation building on learning from this year's Prevent, HOIO, Community Resilience and PAI evaluations; a new piece of research on a priority thematic area; and support to the 2023-24 annual review process. We also propose to kick off in February 2024 a piece of next cycle (2025-28) research, which will provide evidence and insight to inform portfolio design from 2025. Workstream 4 (W4): Learning: As the contract enters its final 12 months there will be a greater emphasis on learning. We propose to continue our work on portfolio evidence mapping activities; hold quarterly strategy and reflection meetings with the portfolio team to inform adaptation; and develop and disseminate communication products to support evidence uptake. We also propose to organise a learning event that brings together the portfolio to engage with and use the MERL evidence base. Engagement: This workstream covers strategic management inputs, including regular engagement with the portfolio team, and providing regular technical and commercial reporting. We would welcome your thoughts and feedback on this proposal. If any additional information/detail is required then please do let us know.