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.