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.
Laura Bonsaver draws on recent Engaging with Evidence session on the Village Enterprise Development Impact Bond (DIB) to explore the programme’s adaptations to Covid-19 and the core mechanisms of the DIB that helped make it resilient under stress.
Last updated 26 Apr 2022, 9:43 a.m.
Dr Chih Hoong Sin, Chairman at Traverse, has been advising the Abu Dhabi government on the use of social impact tools. In the latest of his series of blogs, he explores how a social incubator function can support outcomes contracting and investment.
Last updated 4 Apr 2022, 4:05 p.m.
Specialist procurement lawyers Kate and Elizabeth explain the UK Government’s latest measure designed to use the “power of the purse” to advance its climate change agenda and the implications for contractors and contracting authorities.
Last updated 4 Apr 2022, 3:58 p.m.
Laura Bonsaver highlights key learnings that emerged from our latest Engaging with Evidence session on the use and cost-effectiveness of outcomes-based funding in the education sector.
Last updated 9 Mar 2022, 10:30 a.m.
In this blog, Michael, Felix and Eleanor outline emerging GO Lab research on building local partnerships and coordination capacity to deliver complex public services, and consider its relevance to the social objectives of the UK's Levelling Up agenda.
Last updated 8 Feb 2022, 5:04 p.m.
Drawing on insights from GO Lab research and a recent Engaging with Evidence webinar, Tanyah Hameed examines the challenges of refugee integration and explores whether innovative financing and cross sector-collaborations can be part of the solution.
Last updated 8 Feb 2022, 11:28 a.m.
In this blog, Thomas Kenyon offers the World Bank’s perspective on how they are seeking to embed long-term sustainability within their Program-for-Results (PforR) financing instrument.
Last updated 11 Jan 2022, 3:31 p.m.
Read our Executive Director Nigel Ball's blog which reflects on Government Outcomes Lab's work this year and the pertinent debates we've sparked on the relationship between the private and public sectors.
Last updated 8 Dec 2021, 4:31 p.m.
In this blog, Oishee Kundu and Malcolm Harbour discuss the importance of moving away from strict procedures and developing research capacity to support a more strategic approach to public procurement for innovation.
Last updated 7 Dec 2021, 11:23 a.m.
Reflecting on a recent Engaging with Evidence webinar, GO Lab's Tanyah Hameed examines some cases in which combining ecosystem orchestrators with an outcomes focus has proved effective.
Last updated 10 Nov 2021, 10:33 a.m.