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.
Our Executive Director Nigel Ball reflects on recent events in the UK which have brought transparency in public procurement to the fore.
Last updated 8 Jun 2021, 9:55 a.m.
For our last Engaging with Evidence session, we brought together academic and practitioner perspectives to take stock of the global landscape of outcomes funds. Read Research and Policy Associate Tanyah Hameed's reflections on the session.
Last updated 12 May 2021, 9:51 a.m.
Sam Magne from The National Lottery Community Fund reflects on the latest evaluation of the Commissioning Better Outcomes programme and on an ambitious plan to make specialist family services available, pan-London wide, to children on the edge of care.
Last updated 21 Apr 2021, 2:34 p.m.
Policy and Engagement Manager Andreea Anastasiu considers some of the challenges facing effective evidence-based policymaking, and shares three ingredients for better use of evidence in policy and practice tried and tested through the GO Lab's work.
Last updated 8 Apr 2021, noon
Ian Taylor and Nigel Ball examine a recent setback in the commitment of businesses to generating broader social value, and consider its wider implications for the role of government in encouraging responsible business practices.
Last updated 1 Apr 2021, 1 p.m.
Anne Davies and Ruairi Macdonald reflect on the Oxford Procurement of Government Outcomes Club’s response to the UK Government’s Green Paper, Transforming Public Procurement.
Last updated 10 Mar 2021, 9:49 a.m.
Tanyah Hameed from the GO Lab reflects on key insights from the second session of our Engaging with Evidence series, on the FCDO's development impact bonds in Asia and Africa.
Last updated 10 Mar 2021, 9:40 a.m.
Sam Magne, Knowledge & Learning Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund, reflects on their latest in-depth review of the West London Zone Collective Bond supported by their Commissioning Better Outcomes programme.
Last updated 9 Mar 2021, 4:04 p.m.
Our Executive Director Nigel Ball kicks off this year's monthly blog with a reflection on how the public sector view risks when working with outside suppliers.
Last updated 9 Mar 2021, 12:31 p.m.
In recent years, impact bonds have reached the shores of Latin America. We recently held a session on lessons learnt on developing impact bonds in the region. Tanyah Hameed from the GO Lab reflects on how 5 Latin American countries have approached this.
Last updated 12 Feb 2021, 11:09 a.m.