Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) System
Driving continuous improvement through evidence, insight and learning
Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) System strengthens our Purpose and Strategic Aims by generating the information needed to understand the performance, outcomes and effectiveness of our certification scheme. It provides a structured approach for tracking progress towards intended impacts, testing the assumptions in our Theory of Change, and supporting organisation‑wide learning. Through systematic data collection, rigorous evaluation and targeted research, our MEL system generates insights that inform strategic decisions, deepen our evidence base and guide continuous improvement.
Monitor
Track what is happening across our certification scheme using indicators aligned with our strategic Focus Areas/ Theory of Change impact pathways.
Evaluate
Understand what the evidence tells us about outcomes, performance and impact.
Learn
Use insights to strengthen our Standards, assurance system, guidance and Strategic Aims and Focus Areas.
Strengthening impact across the biomass supply chain
Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) System is our new framework for understanding how our certification scheme performs in the real world, what outcomes it delivers, and where we can drive even greater positive impact.
Launching in 2026, MEL brings together the data, insights and stakeholder feedback already generated across our Standards, assurance activities and digital tools. By analysing this information in a more systematic way, MEL helps us understand whether we are realising our intended outcomes and how we can continue to improve.
Why does MEL matter?
As we expand into new feedstocks, markets and end‑use sectors, strong and coherent evidence of impact becomes increasingly important. MEL helps us answer fundamental questions such as:
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- Are we achieving the outcomes and intended impacts of our Theory of Change?
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- How effectively are requirements being implemented by Certificate Holders?
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- Where are risks emerging, and where are practices improving?
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- How can insights from audits, data and stakeholder input strengthen our certification scheme?
MEL provides a structured way of tracking performance against our six key impacts and the outcome areas of Standard 1, including biodiversity, water and soil protection, carbon stocks, legality, community wellbeing and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
How does MEL add value?
MEL enhances our certification scheme by providing:
- Greater insight and transparency
Consolidated information that gives a clearer view of how certification contributes to responsible sourcing and the availability of good biomass. - Stronger evidence to support decisions
Findings that inform standards development, system oversight, auditor training and scheme improvements. - Improved accountability
Public reporting through the Annual Review and other channels, increasing confidence that risks are well managed and impact is being delivered. - More effective learning loops
Real‑time insights that allow us to adjust guidance, refine processes and respond to emerging expectations.
Is stakeholder engagement part of MEL?
Stakeholder engagement is a core principle of MEL. Certificate Holders, Certification Bodies, our Accreditation Body, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and others will contribute to shaping our learning and interpreting findings.
Insights from MEL will feed directly into updates to our Strategy and Theory of Change, helping us continuously improve and remain responsive as markets and expectations evolve.
We welcome Interested and Impacted Parties to contact us with any questions and/or to provide their feedback and ideas on strengthening our MEL System. Just fill out the form on our Contact us page.
How will MEL work from 2026?
Our MEL System will operate through a streamlined set of activities that integrate naturally with our existing processes:
- Continuous monitoring using a logical framework of indicators
- Targeted research for deeper analysis of key questions
- System development to refine indicators and methods over time
- Clear reporting and communication to governing bodies, Certificate Holders and wider stakeholders
Where possible, MEL uses data we already collect. New data will only be gathered when it adds meaningful value.
Our MEL System documents
Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) System is supported by a suite of documents that together provide a transparent and structured approach to understanding the performance, outcomes and effectiveness of the certification scheme.
At the core is the MEL Guiding Framework, which sets out how we plan, implement and maintain our MEL activities. It is complemented by the MEL Interested and Impacted Parties (IIP) Hypothesis, which outlines how we understand and will test our influence on different groups, and the MEL Research Ethics Guidelines, which ensure that all MEL activities are conducted responsibly and ethically.
Together, these documents link strategy, data and learning, enabling us to monitor performance, test key assumptions and support continuous improvement, whilst strengthening transparency and accountability.
