Performance management should be an integral part of the policy lifecycle. It should embrace assessment of the rationale for policy intervention, options appraisals, monitoring, evaluation and feedback to facilitate learning about “what works”. It enables the relevant policy and partner organizations to learn, develop and mature. It is, therefore, both backward and forward looking and integrated into policy development and delivery as a management tool. It is not something that is just “bolted on”.

HDL has experience and expertise with performance management across highly diverse policy areas. We are engaged in the design and development of performance management frameworks, as well as the conduct of a wide variety of policy, programme and project appraisals and evaluations. So, we know the practical possibilities and limitations of performance measurement and management and how they should be taken into account when designing, developing and refining performance management frameworks, structures and systems.

We are familiar with the methods and techniques for planning and structuring appraisals and evaluations, for obtaining the relevant information, for analysing it and for reaching judgements based on the analysis. Our evaluations typically include an assessment of partnership processes, and their impact on the effectiveness of the relevant programme. We combine a rigorous analytical approach with a concern to provide practical advice and improve the effectiveness of interventions.