Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action

indicators have been drawn from a wide range of national and local data sourcesincluding existing data available for example from research, large scale surveys andpractice evaluation identified above, project reports, performance reports, annualreviews, inspections and audits.6.10 For several indicators a data source could not be identified, therefore, furtherdiscussion will be undertaken to prioritise the areas where data sources are needed,and to determine the resources required to develop a suitable data source.6.11 Indicators are currently being developed for a number of other policy areasthat will impact on maternal and infant nutrition outcomes; for example the ‘EarlyYears Framework’, the ‘Refreshed Maternity Services Framework’ and ‘PreventingOverweight and Obesity in Scotland’. It is important to minimise the number ofindicators, therefore, where relevant, the same indicators will be used across asmany policy areas as possible.Monitoring and Evaluation6.12 Key partners, as identified in the Action Plan, will need to develop monitoringand evaluation frameworks to underpin their results plans. These frameworks linkactions to the indicators and evidence which will help partners to check the progressof their efforts and the extent to which these efforts are achieving the results theyhave identified.6.13 The frameworks will help partners to understand whether they are heading inthe right direction towards achieving the changes they wish to see and/or whetherthey need to adjust or redirect their efforts. The frameworks will also help partners todescribe their contribution to the overall actions of the Framework.6.14 We recognise that it will take time for partners to think through what theirresults plans will look like and develop their monitoring and evaluation frameworks,especially as there are gaps in the evidence and/or information available to enablepartners to have full picture of their progress and impacts. However, by taking thisapproach we anticipate partners will be able to articulate their contribution to theoverall aims of the Framework. In addition, the Implementation Group will develop anational monitoring and evaluation structure, which will complement local evaluationframeworks.