Phase 5: Scale and Exit

Objectives of the Scale and Exit Phase

In this phase, assess the impacts and lessons learned of your project, re-assess your sustainability strategy, and correct your plans or timeline as needed.

Project phaseout must be planned from the start. Scaling up, replicating, or transforming the initiative into a new project requires the partners to revisit the earlier phases.

Elements and overview of the Scale and Exit phase tools

1. Evaluate impact and lessons, reviewing progress and soliciting feedback from all partners to determine the success of the project (Tool 25. Partnership reporting progress template and Tool 26. Feedback session (must)). Identify beneficiaries with Tool 27. Counting beneficiaries (nice to have) and identify the positive and negative results from the partnerships, making amendments if possible and incorporating this learning into the partnership transition (Tool 28. List of lessons learned (must)).
2. Ensure sustainability of impact. Review theory of change if needed, updating Tool 7. Project Action Plan. Explore possibilities for up-scaling using Tool 29. Decision-making matrix for scale-up. Finally, based on this review, update your sustainability strategy if necessary, updating Tool 18. Develop sustainability strategy.
3. Phase out or transfer: if ending the project or partnership, ensure that this step is officially recognized (Tool 30. Final sign off (must)). If transferring a role to a different entity, ensure that all relevant documentation and skills are transferred using Tool 31. Final handover (must).

Transition key questions checklist

1. Have you evaluated results and impacts of the partnership?
2. Did you get feedback from all the different partners to confirm that the expectations were met and if not identify where not?
3. Have you identified the groups that have so far benefitted from the partnership measures and projects to reduce environmental risks?
4. Have you recorded all the lessons learned (what went well, what could go better, where the changes and improvements needed identified) and disseminated them?
5. Have you reviewed your Project Action Plan to ensure it is based on the monitoring results and lessons learned?
6. Have you explored possibilities for up-scaling of the existing partnership (e.g. new catchments, new partners, and new countries)?
7. Have you reviewed your Sustainability strategy?
8. Have you marked the official end of the partnership or project component?
9. Have you ensured that selected people/entity keep all the necessary documentation, tools and templates?

Key tools and case studies for this phase

Tool 25. Partnership reporting progress template (must)

Tool 26. Feedback session (must)

Tool 27. Counting beneficiaries (nice to have)

Tool 28. List of lessons learned (must)

Tool 7. Project Action Plan (update)

Tool 29. Decision-making matrix for scale-up (must)

Tool 18. Develop sustainability strategy (must)

Tool 30. Final sign off (must)

Tool 31. Final handover (must)