SADC Polic y for Strategy Development, Planning, M onitoring and Evaluation i)  eports on the execution of operational plans provide a reliable asR sessment of progress on the implementation with regard to costs, results, quality and timeliness of service delivery and implementation methods used; ii) R  eports on the execution of the Annual Consolidated Operational Plan adequately support policy and resource allocation decisions; iii) D  ata related to costs and results are collected and documented on a systematic basis to facilitate continuous monitoring as opposed to occasional collection of information; iv) R  elevant indicators, baselines and targets to measure implementation progress on the various SADC interventions are defined at the outset in the operational plans to support evidence-based monitoring; v) M  onitoring tasks become an integral part of all managerial functions of the Secretariat. 4.3.2 Monitoring of implementation of protocols and other core policies 26. The implementation of SADC regional policies by Members States is a prerequisite for attaining the intended results of the SADC Regional Integration and Cooperation Agenda. SADC regional policies are translated into action at national level through various forms of regulatory instruments. SADC Protocols constitute the only legislative regulatory instrument provided in the Treaty. Other regulatory instruments are also used, including Memoranda of Understandings and Declarations, to guide the implementation of regional policies on a best- endeavour basis. 27. The monitoring of implementation of regional policies, in conjunction with their evaluation, is an important function which should contribute to better policy analysis and coordination and subsequently improve policy design and the relevance of programmes and projects. The Secretariat shall take initiatives to effectively monitor the 16