Tools | Evidence | Decision-Making | Programme Impact

Practical Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Seminar 2026

A focused, implementation-led seminar for professionals responsible for proving impact, improving programmes and helping organisations learn.

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Programme Impact Evidence

Seminar Snapshot

6 Connected MERL sessions

2 Days of tools and practice

30 Focused practitioner cohort

Evidence Mix

MERL Cycle

Data → Evidence

Evidence → Learning

Learning → Decisions

Decisions → Impact

Dates 18–19 November 2026

Venue Holiday Inn Parktown, Johannesburg

Format Small-Group Practical Seminar

Hosted By SkillingSA

About the Seminar

Turn data into credible evidence — and evidence into better decisions

The Practical Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Seminar 2026 is designed for people who need to move beyond activity reporting and build stronger systems for evidence, learning, accountability and programme improvement. Delegates will work through practical tools, templates and decision-focused approaches across the full MERL cycle.

A trusted annual MERL learning platform

SkillingSA has held this Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning intervention once a year for the past three years. The seminar has developed into a focused practitioner platform shaped around practical challenges: proving impact, strengthening evidence quality, improving reporting, using data for decisions and helping organisations learn.

Key Focus Areas

What the seminar will strengthen

The programme is structured around practical outputs that delegates can take back into their organisations.

MERL Frameworks

Building practical MERL frameworks that connect strategy, indicators, evidence, accountability and learning.

Indicators & Targets

Designing practical, meaningful and equity-aware indicators, targets and evidence sources.

Data Quality

Strengthening data collection, accuracy, consistency, verification and reporting credibility.

Reporting for Decisions

Moving from data dumps to concise, visual and decision-ready reports for leaders and stakeholders.

Learning & Adaptation

Turning findings into reflection, feedback loops, adaptive management and programme improvement.

AI & Digital Tools

Exploring responsible AI and digital tools for coding, synthesis, dashboards and MERL reporting support.

Two-Day Agenda

Six connected sessions across the MERL cycle

Day 1 focuses on building the system and strengthening the evidence. Day 2 focuses on using evidence to decide, learn and modernise.

Day 1: Build the system

Wednesday, 18 November 2026

Session 1: Building a Practical MERL Framework Practical output: Draft MERL framework blueprint.

Session 2: Indicators, Targets and Evidence Practical output: Indicator reference matrix.

Session 3: Data Collection and Data Quality Practical output: Data-quality checklist.

Day 2: Use it to decide

Thursday, 19 November 2026

Session 4: Reporting for Decisions Practical output: Decision-ready report blueprint.

Session 5: Learning and Adaptive Management Practical output: Learning and adaptation cycle.

Session 6: AI and Digital Tools for MERL Practical output: Responsible AI use-case plan.

Data & Evidence Visuals

Generous data graphics for information-rich learning

These visual panels are designed to reflect the seminar’s practical emphasis on dashboards, evidence, indicators, reporting and decision-making.

Dashboards that turn data into insight

Evidence systems that support accountability

Reports that help leaders make better decisions

Download the full PDF brochure

Get the full programme details, agenda, speaker information, booking form, fees and registration instructions.

Download MERL Seminar Brochure

Contact SkillingSA

Register, enquire or connect with us

Contact SkillingSA for delegate registrations, group bookings, programme details and invoice assistance.

Contact Details

Email: info@skillingsa.co.za Office: 010 012 6691 Mobile: 083 446 8533 Website: www.skillingsa.co.za

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