What Do We Mean by Remote Monitoring?

Remote programme monitoring has traditionally been used in complex or conflict environments where, due to access restrictions, organizations staff or partners are unable to consistently engage with affected communities in person. Remote monitoring approaches and methods are outlined in the infographic below:

Third-party monitoring is a method used by some organizations and their partners where external or independent organizations (and in many cases communities) collect independently verifiable data to support the monitoring and evaluation of their programming.

Remote monitoring approaches are underpinned by:

1. Risk reduction: Remote monitoring seeks to reduce risk for programme staff, programme participants and communities. It is vital to ensure the safety and protection of all staff, partners and programme participants while providing and monitoring assistance during the transition to remote management and programming models.

2. Simplicity: Remote monitoring approaches should be simple and streamlined. This supports accuracy of use and acceptance from both programme teams and communities.

3. Rigour: Findings from remote monitoring activities should be triangulated (through the use of a number of remote monitoring methods) before conclusions are drawn and should withstand tests of data validity and reliability.