ALNAP: established in 1997, the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action is an international, sector-wide membership forum which aims to promote a culture of learning across the humanitarian sector in order to improve performance. ALNAP is involved in a range of activities including the production of an annual Review of Humanitarian Action which monitors the performance of humanitarian action though a synthesis of evaluative reports provided by the Membership. It monitors the quality of the evaluations themselves using the ALNAP quality pro-forma, and works with agencies to improve their evaluation skills. The ALNAP Secretariat hosts a comprehensive evaluative reports database. ALNAP’s Biannual Meetings provide the membership with extensive opportunities for networking and learning on a range of important issues. ALNAP also produces papers that draw together lessons learned for particular types of emergencies, and practical tools, such as guidance booklets and training modules, on subjects and themes prioritised by the Membership.
The ALNAP Secretariat hosted the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition during 2005 and 2006 and is taking responsibility for its follow-up. At the time of writing, ALNAP has 57 Full Members and over 700 Observer Members; its Secretariat is based at the Overseas Development Institute in London. www.alnap.org
