Introduction

Ethics Review Boards (ERBs) are pivotal in ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. Ethics Review Boards and M&E Protocols Training Course equips professionals with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical tools to navigate ethical complexities in program evaluation while ensuring compliance with global standards. Participants will explore the principles of research ethics, risk assessment, informed consent, data privacy, and stakeholder engagement, building competencies that strengthen the credibility and impact of M&E initiatives.

Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, this course empowers participants to design, implement, and review M&E protocols with a strong ethical foundation. Participants will gain hands-on experience in drafting ethical review submissions, understanding regulatory requirements, and applying ethical decision-making frameworks in diverse programmatic contexts. By the end of the course, learners will confidently align M&E practices with international ethical standards, enhancing the overall quality, accountability, and sustainability of programs.

Programme Curriculum

Ethics Review Boards and M&E Protocols Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Understand the roles and responsibilities of Ethics Review Boards (ERBs) in M&E.
Apply international ethical standards to monitoring and evaluation protocols.
Conduct comprehensive ethical risk assessments for programs.
Design informed consent processes that protect participants’ rights.
Ensure compliance with data privacy, confidentiality, and protection laws.
Develop robust M&E protocols that align with ethical guidelines.
Integrate stakeholder engagement and community participation ethically.
Identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest in M&E processes.
Evaluate the ethical implications of program data collection and reporting.
Navigate ethical challenges in digital and remote M&E systems.
Apply ethical decision-making frameworks in complex programmatic contexts.
Draft clear and effective ERB submissions for program approval.
Strengthen accountability and transparency in evaluation processes.

Target Audience

Monitoring & Evaluation Officers
Program Managers
Research Coordinators
Ethics Review Board Members
Data Analysts
NGO and CSO Staff
Policy and Compliance Officers
Academic and Research Institutions

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Ethics in M&E

Definition and principles of ethics in M&E
Historical context and global standards
Roles of ERBs in program evaluation
Ethical accountability in program design
Case study: Ethical lapses in M&E and lessons learned

Module 2: Ethics Review Boards (ERBs) Overview

Composition and responsibilities of ERBs
Standard operating procedures of ERBs
Evaluating protocols for compliance
Stakeholder communication and reporting
Case study: ERB decision-making in controversial evaluations

Module 3: Ethical Principles and Guidelines

Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice
International guidelines
Local regulatory requirements
Integrating ethics into program planning
Case study: Applying international standards in local programs

Module 4: Designing M&E Protocols

Components of an ethical M&E protocol
Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Participant recruitment and engagement
Ethical documentation and reporting
Case study: Designing protocols for high-risk interventions

Module 5: Informed Consent Processes

Principles and importance of informed consent
Developing consent forms and communication strategies
Special considerations for vulnerable populations
Ensuring comprehension and voluntary participation
Case study: Challenges in informed consent in field evaluations

Module 6: Data Privacy and Confidentiality

Understanding data protection laws
Secure data collection and storage
Managing sensitive information ethically
Anonymization and de-identification techniques
Case study: Data breaches and ethical implications

Module 7: Ethical Risk Assessment in M&E

Identifying ethical risks in programs
Risk prioritization and management
Tools for risk assessment in evaluations
Monitoring and auditing ethical compliance
Case study: Managing risks in community-based interventions

Module 8: Conflict of Interest Management

Recognizing conflicts of interest
Disclosure and mitigation strategies
Ethical decision-making frameworks
Maintaining objectivity in evaluations
Case study: Conflict of interest in donor-funded programs

Module 9: Stakeholder Engagement and Participation

Ethical engagement with stakeholders
Community-based participatory evaluation
Balancing power dynamics and equity
Feedback mechanisms and accountability
Case study: Engaging marginalized groups ethically

Module 10: Ethics in Digital and Remote M&E

Remote data collection ethical considerations
Technology and digital consent challenges
Ethical implications of AI and automated data tools
Managing privacy in digital systems
Case study: Remote evaluation of health programs

Module 11: Reporting and Dissemination Ethics

Ethical reporting standards
Avoiding misrepresentation of data
Transparency in findings and limitations
Sharing results with stakeholders responsibly
Case study: Ethical dilemmas in public reporting

Module 12: Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

Utilitarian vs. deontological approaches
Structured ethical analysis tools
Balancing ethical principles in complex scenarios
Practical exercises and simulations
Case study: Ethical decision-making in emergency interventions

Module 13: Drafting ERB Submissions

Key elements of submission documents
Common pitfalls and best practices
Aligning protocols with ERB expectations
Review and feedback processes
Case study: Successful ERB submissions

Module 14: Monitoring Ethics in Practice

Continuous monitoring of ethical compliance
Indicators and reporting mechanisms
Corrective actions and learning loops
Auditing ethical adherence in programs
Case study: Ethical audits in multi-country programs

Module 15: Building an Ethical M&E Culture

Leadership and ethical role modeling
Embedding ethics in organizational policies
Training staff on ethical standards
Sustainability and institutionalization of ethical practices
Case study: Establishing a culture of ethical evaluation

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Ethical review Protocol compliance Risk assessment Participant protection

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000