Alliance for Water Stewardship
The AWS Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) System is an ongoing systematic data collection process through which we evaluate our outputs, outcomes and impacts against target indicators.
The AWS Standard System intends to positively impact:
AWS monitors the effects of its different interventions at a global level, including:
Our M&E System supports independent research into the AWS Standard System and considers findings in our reporting.
Our M&E System collects data measuring 28 indicators to help understand performance at the system, site and catchment levels. The full set of indicators is presented in the M&E Indicator Framework. They allow us to track progress, measure the effectiveness of the AWS System, and assess whether desired outcomes are being achieved. This helps us to make informed decisions to improve system performance.
Credible sustainability standard systems engage and consult with stakeholders for a wide variety of reasons and at different stages in their development. AWS maps its stakeholders to better understand the individuals and groups interested in its activities and organisation.
The first AWS stakeholder mapping exercise was conducted in 2009 to support the AWS Standard development process. In 2022, we updated the AWS M&E System stakeholder mapping to include the entire AWS System and to reflect changes to our organisational structure.
A Theory of Change articulates what impact or change an organisation is hoping to achieve and how its work brings about that change. Using a Theory of Change approach requires standard organisations to make their assumptions explicit and reach consensus with colleagues and key stakeholders about what they are trying to do and why.
AWS undertook a system-wide consultation process to develop its Theory of Change, and it has now become an essential and strategic planning management tool for the organisation.
AWS and other third parties conduct in-depth studies, including outcome and impact evaluations, to better understand the potential and real impacts of the AWS System.
What does good practice mean when it comes to water stewardship? Explore our case studies and publications to learn about real-world examples from sites that have received AWS certification.
As part of the activities implemented under its M&E System, AWS is currently undertaking a long-term impact evaluation programme to investigate the impacts of the AWS Standard System. As part of this programme, AWS has commissioned its first independent impact evaluation.
If you are interested in getting involved in our research programme or impact evaluation studies, please complete the form below to get in touch with our Knowledge and Learning Coordinator.