For those of us working on peace, development and security, M&E is ultimately a way for organisations and funders to ensure that our engagements in already complicated, fragile and high-risk contexts are as effective as possible and avoid doing harm.

The Critical Friend method emerged to respond to the limitations of traditional evaluations on effectiveness and performance, which tend to be cumbersome and expensive. Critical friends are independent and professional external actors who, with their expertise and profile, can contribute to critical reflection across organisations and their partners, engaging in constructive dialogue in a trusted space. As a lighter, more adjustable approach to evaluation and learning Critical Friends add a further layer of quality assurance within an M&E framework, with a strong emphasis on real-time learning. The Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) has been experimenting with this method for the past year in order to enhance learning and management of its global conflict resolution programme.

CMI will be sharing their experiences at an informal EPLO Brown Bag Lunch event. At this event, Mikko Patokallio and Laura Salonen will discuss the different applications of the Critical Friend method at CMI, including for the evaluation of the 2014-2016 Global Programme, the design of the 2018-2021 programme, and as part of internal CMI project reviews.

We invite you to join us to hear lessons, offer feedback, ask questions and collectively reflect on the potential wider application of the Critical Friend method in peace, development and security.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please RSVP to Susanne Wander if you would like to participate.