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.
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.
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.
In this blog, Michael Gibson, Research and Policy Associate at the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) highlights some of our key questions around trust and relationships in pursuit of better social outcomes, and how we might explore these at SOC23.
Last updated 7 Mar 2023, 10:37 a.m.
This article details the GO Lab's response to the UK Parliament's Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the effectiveness of Government support to get people into employment.
Last updated 10 Oct 2022, 1:50 p.m.
In this blog, Louise Savell, Director at Social Finance, explores the emerging interest in the use of outcomes contracts for systems strengthening, and analyses two pathways through which the model might build the capacity of the wider system.
Last updated 7 Sep 2022, 1:22 p.m.
Ahead of this year's Social Outcomes Conference, Nigel Ball reflects on the role of power in improving social outcomes, and the need for structures to better account for those most affected by social problems.
Last updated 8 Aug 2022, 10:22 a.m.
In this blog, James Ronicle shares insights from a report on education impact bonds in LMICs produced by Ecorys, GO Lab and DeliverEd for the World Bank. The report builds on Ecorys and GO Lab's systematic review of outcomes-based contracts.
Last updated 11 Jul 2022, 10:05 a.m.
In this blog, Michael P. Lustig explains how an Israeli social bank has used innovative models to fill the gap and support those who are underserved by the country’s traditional finance system.
Last updated 15 Jun 2022, 4:58 p.m.
In this blog, GO Lab Data Steward Juliana Outes Velarde and some of the participants reflect on their experiences of the Spring 2022 Hack and Learn.
Last updated 31 May 2022, 11:25 a.m.
In this blog, Savva Kerdemelidis outlines how pay-for-success contracts could change how new uses for generic medicines can be discovered.
Last updated 25 May 2022, 9:59 a.m.
In this blog, Wouter Vos (Co-founder of Rikx) introduces their local marketplace for social outcomes piloted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Last updated 25 May 2022, 9 a.m.
In this blog, Harry Bregazzi shines a light on 18 months of ‘behind the scenes’ effort that has gone into the global systematic review of social outcomes contracting.
Last updated 9 May 2022, 1:53 p.m.
In this blog, Ali Nur and Phil Messere from TNLCF consider the lessons that the Reconnections SIB can teach us about the data challenges that can arise in SIB practice, and how better design might address them.
Last updated 29 Apr 2022, 2:25 p.m.