About GO Lab

The Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) is a global centre of expertise based at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Our vision is for a world where governments and other organisations work together through purposeful, accountable and people-centred partnerships that continually learn, adapt and improve to achieve better outcomes. Through research, open data and shared learning, we help policymakers and practitioners strengthen partnerships and focus on what matters most: improving people's lives.

We are an international team of multi-disciplinary researchers, data specialists and policy experts. We work closely with practitioners to generate actionable knowledge. We offer an evidence-based approach to the study of cross-sector partnerships through the three main strands of our work: research, data and learning.

Research: Understading what works and why

We investigate how governments design, fund and manage partnerships to deliver public services. We ask: how do different approaches work in practice? What makes them successful or unsuccessful? What lessons can be learnt? We study issues such as how public services are commissioned and funded, how organisations collaborate in complex settings, and how government can focus on meaningful improvements in people's lives rather than simply on activities.

Formal Relational Contracting | Test, Learn & Grow | Evaluating the Life Chances Fund |

Data: Making evidence accessible and useful

Good decisions depend on reliable information. We collect, organise and share data on innovative approaches to public service delivery, helping researchers, governments and other organisations learn from experience around the world. Through our open-access datasets and digital tools, we make it easier to discover projects, compare approaches and understand the evidence.

International Network for Data on Impact and Government Outcomes (INDIGO)

Learning: Connecting research with practice

Research makes the greatest difference when people can use it. We bring together researchers, policymakers, public service professionals and organisations from around the world to share knowledge, discuss challenges and learn from one another. Through practical guidance, workshops, events, peer learning groups and our online Knowledge Hub, we help turn research findings into insights that can inform real-world decisions. We also learn from the experiences and questions of people working directly in public services, ensuring that our research addresses the challenges they face.

Social Outcomes Conference | Leading Cross Sector Partnerships Executive Programme | Events