Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning | A Guide for NHRIs in the Asia Pacific Module 3: Developing your MEAL Plan Section 3.8. Bringing it all together Modules 1, 2 and 3 have provided the information and tools to develop your MEAL Plan. Now it is time to pull it all together and put your MEAL Plan into action. If you have developed a comprehensive MEAL Plan that is agreed by key staff in your NHRI, and you have the capacity to carry it out, implementation will usually flow easily. The MEAL Plan template below out the elements that were included in the MEAL Framework and adds the elements we have discussed in Module 3 (data collection methods, data storage, data analysis, responsibilities, timeframes and reporting mechanisms). Once you have completed your MEAL Plan you can check it against the criteria in the 4 x ‘A’ Framework which is based on four broad standards: availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability.23 CHECKLIST: REVIEW THE QUALITY OF YOUR MEAL PLAN Availability The MEAL Plan is in place, but are there people skilled in MEAL available to put the Plan into action? Are external experts needed? Do you have the human and financial resources needed to action the MEAL Plan? Accessibility Does the MEAL Plan ensure non-discriminatory practices? Do those who are impacted by the situation have a voice in the MEAL activities? Acceptability Will the MEAL Plan enable the gathering of robust, accurate information? Have actions been taken to ensure that people can engage honestly and without repercussions? Does the MEAL Plan take into account ethical and gender considerations? Do the MEAL processes build in appropriate accountabilities? Adaptability Are the activities of the MEAL Plan appropriate for diverse participants and stakeholders? Have the activities been adapted for the specific context of your NHRI and activities? 76