how can nrm audit help mer?
TRANSCRIPT
How can NRM audit help MER?
Tim Kirby, Sydney
How can NRM audit can help MER?
This presentation introduces ideas you could use if you are considering using audit as a governance tool for your NRM program, or if you are wondering how NRM audit can fit in with your monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) process.
Why would you need to fit NRM audit with your MER?
Shouldn’t MER be enough to drive adaptive management, so NRM programs best meet their objectives?
MER is not enough sometimes
While your MER may be the best way to drive adaptive management and continuous improvement, sometimes it is not enough to convince your stakeholders that you are doing a great job.
In particular, some stakeholders are put off by the scientific uncertainty in MER assessments of achievements.
NRM audit can give confidence to these stakeholders.
Particular issues with fit
1. MER will help inform reports, but audit will help confirm them
2. MER will help improve systems and resilience, but audit can give confidence about outcomes
3. MER can get bogged in detail but audit will focus on material
4. Reporting solely with MER can sometimes backfire and weaken commitment to investing in MER
5. Audit can be used to leverage the value of MER
MER inform - audit confirm
MER is aimed at informing performance reporting, both internally and externally.
It is part of how program management demonstrates they are doing a good job.
Audit is about confirming performance reporting.
It is part of how program funders get confidence that delegated responsibilities are being undertaken well.
Improvement and confidence
MER is aimed at continuous improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.
Audit is aimed at giving confidence in how things are going.
Some stakeholders need to hear both messages, and some only need to be given confidence.
Detail and ‘material’
MER programs are geared to improvement at multiple scales, including project detail.
In the absence of strategic level data, often project detail is reported.
This can sometimes create the impression of too much detail in reporting.
Audit focusses on what is ‘material’ – ie the stuff that matters to the audience.
While this carries a risk of being too ‘shallow’, the mix of using MER and audit is very complementary.
Putting MER funding at risk
Funding for long-term MER programs is always hard to secure and protect.
To some stakeholders, scientifically uncertain (early) data creates the impression that the programs aren’t working. This begs the question of why they are receiving funding, that could be used elsewhere.
Performance reports to stakeholders that relies heavily on MER data can therefore put the whole MER program at risk.
Again, MER is not enough sometimes
To repeat the message, while your MER may be the best way to drive adaptive management and continuous improvement, sometimes it is not enough to convince your stakeholders that you are doing a great job.
NRM audit can give confidence to these stakeholders.
MER and NRM audit are a perfect fit.
Contact details
Environmental Risk Science and Audit (ERSA) Tim Kirby, Sydney
Chartered Accountant (NZ), Certified Internal Auditor (IIA), Lead Environmental Auditor (RABQSA),
Masters of Environmental and Business Management (University of Newcastle), Bachelor of Commerce (University of Canterbury)
m: 0433 488 569 e: [email protected] or