Maria L 2022: information below may be out of date, please refer to the MLE SharePoint for the latest information.

WHY: Splash needs a standard for surveys, studies, and assessments to ensure 1) the quality of survey and study design, 2) the alignment of each survey or study with the overall strategic goals and needs of the organization, and 3) the optimal and efficient use of organizational tools and resources (including human and financial).

Please note that this section of the Splash Standards deals specifically with surveys, studies, and assessments that have not already been approved by the Splash Program Quality team. For more information about Splash Routine Monitoring Standards, please see Chapter 5, Section C [standard is a work in progress] and for more information about Water Quality Testing Standards, please see the Chapter 3, Section B (Infrastructure/Water Quality Testing).

WHAT: Each country program is encouraged to undertake surveys and studies in order to inform programmatic approaches and learn about programmatic efficiency and impact. However, before a survey or study is designed and launched, it must be approved in advance by the Senior Manager of Program Quality. This helps us to manage our internal resources (labor, technology, etc.) and ensures a coordinated approach that reflects global priorities as well as opportunities for external funding. Program Quality team members in Seattle, in particular the Impact Coordinator, will collaborate with country program staff on the scope, methodology, timing, and budget for each survey or study. Wherever possible, data needs will be built into existing routine monitoring processes in order to maximize efficiencies and the use of limited data collection resources. When it is necessary to conduct a separate survey or study, the Seattle Impact Coordinator will advise on survey questions and tools that are already available, help create new tools and processes as needed, and encourage collaboration and learning across countries.

HOW: Whenever a country program would like to conduct any sort of survey, study, or assessment of its programs or future program targets, the in-country M&E point person must reach out to the Program Quality team in Seattle for discussion and approval. This includes but is not limited to the following types of assessments:

• Vetting questionnaires
• Baseline surveys
• Infrastructure analyses & assessments
• Citywide surveys (schools, households, or other)
• Impact assessments
• Program evidence assessments
• Call surveys
• Focus groups
• Interviews