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.
GO Lab's Executive Director Nigel Ball ties together some of the key reflections that emerged from this year's Social Outcomes Conference, from questions of impact measurement and data transparency to social value and responsible business.
Last updated 13 Oct 2021, 4 p.m.
Laura Bonsaver reflects on key lessons from the delivery of the Cameroon Kangaroo Mother Care Development Impact Bond, featured in our latest Engaging with Evidence session, and summarises four key ingredients for embedding scale and sustainable impact.
Last updated 13 Oct 2021, noon
Dr Harry Bregazzi highlights two key themes for consideration that emerged from this year's SOC21 big picture session, which saw academics and policymakers come together to discuss the global evidence of social outcomes contracts.
Last updated 13 Oct 2021, 11 a.m.
In this deep dive article, MPP students Carolina Douek and Mayra Gramani explore why Brazil has not (yet) launched a social impact bond, examining the barriers to SIB development and how they may be overcome.
Last updated 2 Sep 2021, 11:59 a.m.
We caught up with Hack and Learn masterminds Juliana Outes Velarde and Gautam Krishnamurthy to understand a little more about how this unique hackathon works.
Last updated 12 Aug 2021, 11 a.m.
In this deep dive blog, Dr Chih Hoong Sin, Chair at Traverse, explores the Abu Dhabi government's wider strategy for embedding outcomes at the centre of how it aspires to conduct business.
Last updated 12 Aug 2021, 10 a.m.
Sam Magne, Knowledge & Learning Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund reflects on a recent mid-point evaluation of the Ways to Wellness Social Impact Bond and draws a risk-readiness lesson for other commissioners and providers.
Last updated 3 Aug 2021, 1 p.m.
In this blog, the authors of a new report discuss some of the typical challenges, and best practices to help address them, when contracting for results-based financing programmes.
Last updated 13 Jul 2021, 3:06 p.m.
In this blog, Tanyah Hameed draws on a recent Engaging with Evidence session to consider the contribution impact bonds might make to COVID-19 recovery. She examines lessons from four policy areas, and considers how they can inform future practice.
Last updated 7 Jul 2021, 1:23 p.m.
In the most recent Engaging with Evidence session, we examined the state of play of social outcomes contracts across Europe. In this blog, Tanyah Hameed considers the lessons from the SOC experience in five different countries.
Last updated 9 Jun 2021, 1:53 p.m.