Getting Started with SPM: Networks and Associations
Does your network or association want to learn how to take action on SPM and bring valuable services to your members? Networks and associations play a unique role in promoting SPM, including:
- Creating National Codes of Conduct, standards for transparency, and/or other client protection policies.
- Educating their members on the Universal Standards, the SPI4 social audit tool, and other resources for improving practice.
- Engaging with national regulators to promote client-centered regulation.
- Providing funding or technical assistance for SPM initiatives among members.
- Collecting and aggregating social data to report on sector-wide social performance.
- Hosting peer learning meetings and/or awarding strong performers.
Steps to get started
1. Learn about the Universal Standards for SPM.
- Understand the term “social performance management” and why it’s important.
- Read the Universal Standards for SPM.
- Read pages 13-25 of the Universal Standards Implementation Guide for a basic introduction to SPM implementation.
2. Collaborate with other networks.
- Attend the next SPTF Annual Meeting
3. Learn about the Social Performance Fund for Networks.
- The SP Fund is managed by the Microfinance Centre.
- Read the SP Fund for Networks: LL Networks SPA
4. See how other networks/associations are engaged with SPM.
- View Opportunity International’s 2016 SPM Report, an example of how a global network collects and reports partner data.
- Read these three case studies: Center for Microfinance (CMF) Nepal; Red Financiera Rural, Ecuador; AMFI Uganda.
- View Finrural's SPM Report on Bolivia (in Spanish).
- View JAIDA's SPM report on Morocco (in French).
5. Learn how to engage with your national regulator.