New to outcomes-based contracting? Here are some jargon-free introductions to the various types of approaches
This guide offers an introduction to outcomes-based contracting, including its place among other methods of contracting out public services, the theoretical pros and cons, and the evidence to date.
New to impact bonds? This user-friendly guide will explore what impact bonds are, the evidence to date and how they work in practice in different countries around the world.
This guide provides an introduction to relational contracting in the public sector, explaining what it is, the potential benefits and challenges, and how to adopt a relational approach.
This guide introduces outcomes funds. It aims to document and describe outcomes funds around the world and identify lessons for future fund design.
Explore our datasets, case studies and publications to learn more about the latest research on outcomes-based contracting
We are the International Network for Data on Impact and Government Outcomes (INDIGO). Here you can explore our datasets, read our latest news, join our events and find out more about data sharing in the field of social outcomes.
A collection of in-depth case studies of impact bonds around the world
View the latest reports, evaluations and more on outcomes-based contracting
A glossary of key terms and working definitions around impact bonds and outcomes-based contracting
Interested in designing and managing outcomes-based projects? We have prepared some tools and guidance to help
Developed in consultation with a wide range of practitioners to support projects being established under the UK Government’s Life Chances Fund.
We have a range of guidance to support you develop impact bonds, from setting and measuring outcomes, to awarding the contract and pricing outcomes.
We've partnered with Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy(CIPFA) to develop a toolkit for public managers planning to assess VfM of outcomes-based contracting programmes, or any public programme with an outcome-focus.
Are you thinking of running an impact evaluation for your project? Check out our new Impact Wayfinder! We'll help you find the right evaluation for you according to the focus of your organisation and the scale of your project.
Connect with others through our global directory, read the latest blogs, join our events and more.
Read the latest opinion and insights from the GO Lab network
Find out the latest news from the GO Lab and across the sector
Join our events, from webinars, regional events to international conferences
At the GO Lab, we host a selection of peer learning groups that aim to support learning and knowledge on outcome-based approaches. Read more on our different groups and upcoming sessions here.
In this blog, Liam, Michael, Felix and Elle lay out their plans to develop a framework to support commissioners in identifying how the characteristics of particular services might inform an appropriate partnership structure.
Last updated 9 Apr 2024, 9 a.m.
In this first part of a two-part blog series, Tiphanie Au shares her personal reflections and generalised insights into the Australian outcomes rate card experience.
Last updated 12 Mar 2024, 4:49 p.m.
As 2023 draws to a close, at the GO Lab we reflect on the incredible journey we and the global community of social impact pioneers we serve have been on over the past 12 months.
Last updated 6 Dec 2023, 1 p.m.
In this blog, Juliana Outes Velarde, Senior Data Steward at the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) highlights some of our key questions around innovations in pursuit of better social outcomes, and how we might explore these at SOC23.
Last updated 5 Jul 2023, 10:49 a.m.
In this blog, Emily Hulse, Research Associate at the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) highlights some of our key questions around disruptive voices in pursuit of better social outcomes, and how we might explore these at SOC23.
Last updated 13 Jun 2023, 3:26 p.m.
As she takes on as Executive Director, GO Lab's Andreea Anastasiu reflects on the team's journey so far and shares highlights from our upcoming work.
Last updated 30 May 2023, 1:46 p.m.
In this blog post, the GO Lab Data Steward Juliana Outes Velarde and some of the participants reflect on their experiences of the Spring 2023 Hack and Learn.
Last updated 18 May 2023, 10:45 a.m.
In this blog, GO Lab Research Associate Emily Hulse discusses how insights from the GO Lab's evaluation of the LCF's MHEP projects might help us to understand the distinctiveness of social impact bonds.
Last updated 11 May 2023, 11:06 a.m.
In this blog, Andreea Anastasiu explores how we can move from individual examples of best practice to a more systematic understanding of the evidence and more robust practice, so that social outcomes contracts lead by design to system change.
Last updated 10 May 2023, 3:03 p.m.
In this blog, our outgoing Executive Director, Nigel Ball, offers some personal reflections on the Lab’s achievements, his three top lessons, and the Lab’s future plans.
Last updated 4 Apr 2023, 10:16 a.m.
Nigel Ball discusses the importance of power dynamics in cross-sector partnerships, an important theme at this year's upcoming Social Outcomes Conference
Last updated 4 Apr 2023, 9:29 a.m.
Reiji Ikeda (Offender Rehabilitation Support Manager, Ministry of Justice Japan, and former Visiting Fellow of Practice at the Government Outcomes Lab), reflects upon the lessons and challenges for criminal justice social impact bonds.
Last updated 14 Mar 2023, 11:19 a.m.
In this blog, Srinithya Nagarajan shares the key insights from a recent INDIGO peer learning session on the topic of data ownership and access.
Last updated 7 Mar 2023, 5 p.m.